In honor of National Apprenticeship Day, Rebuild Philadelphia is proud to celebrate the people powering our city’s progress, transforming neighborhoods, and building their futures through skilled trades.
To date, 154 Philadelphians have graduated from Rebuild’s workforce development programs. More than 75% of graduates have moved on to union apprenticeships or secured full-time employment across eight union trades, including carpentry, masonry, ironwork, plaster, and finishing trades.
This training pipeline is helping bridge the gap, equipping residents with the skills, confidence, and support they need to succeed in union careers. Today, we spotlight a few inspiring individuals who are not only building Philadelphia’s physical infrastructure but also shaping its future.
Meet the Future of Philly’s Workforce: Rebuild Apprentices Spotlight
Shalamah Stephens
Southwest Philadelphia
Carpentry Academy, Class of 2024 | Local 158 Carpenters
Shalamah “Sha” Stephens is a first-year apprentice on the $23.4 million renovation of Lawncrest Recreation Center, a site close to his heart. “I grew up playing basketball and going to the pool there. Now I’m part of bringing it back to life.” Sha credits the program’s structure and personal development focus: “It wasn’t just tools and safety. They made sure we were mentally ready for the trade and life.”
Jelaina Carnegay and Stephanie Carrion, 2023 Carpentry Academy graduates now 2nd year apprentices with Local 158.
Jelaina Carnegay
West Oak Lane
Carpentry Academy, Class of 2022 | Local 158 Carpenters
Jelaina Carnegay is currently helping build new patient towers for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “I had great training, and the support didn’t stop when I graduated; I still get check-ins from the team,” said Carnegay. She loved working on the Eastern State Penitentiary and her goal is to become a journeyman and start a business building furniture for kids.
Stephanie Carrion
Kensington
Carpentry Academy, Class of 2023 | Local 158 Carpenters
Stephanie Carrion is currently working at Lewis Cassidy Elementary. She recalled a proud moment on-site where her focus and professionalism helped prevent safety issues. “I had the opportunity to help save a life by taking my job seriously and doing it to the best of my ability.” Her advice? “Go for it!”
Hakeem Copeland
Fishtown
Carpentry Academy, Class of 2024 | Local 158 Carpenters
A graduate now working on Sharwoods Homes, Hakeem calls the work personal. “I grew up near there. It’s like giving back to a place I once took from.” He emphasizes the value of mental preparation, recommending future candidates make use of the program’s therapy and personal development services. “Preparation is key. Stay focused on the mission and stay prepared!”
Dennis Hernandez working on the installation of “The Portal” in Love Park Philadelphia.
Dennis Alexander Hernandez Andino
Yorktown (North Philadelphia)
Ironworkers Academy, Class of 2024 | Local 401 Ironworkers
Dennis Hernandez Andino, an Ironworkers Local 401 apprentice from Yorktown, is now a certified welder who appreciated the instructors and hands-on training. “There will be slow periods. Be prepared for side work and stay optimistic. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s worth it.”
Tyler Harley
West Philadelphia
Carpentry Academy, Class of 2023 | Local 158 Carpenters
Tyler is currently helping restore historic elements at the University of Pennsylvania’s College Hall. “This career will create a great lifestyle, but what’s even greater is the knowledge gained during the journey,” he said. “This career brings stability and lifelong skills. Treat it as an investment in yourself.”
Joseph Centofante
Roxborough
Ironworkers Academy, Class of 2024 | Local 401 Ironworkers
Joseph is working on CHOP’s new patient tower. He vividly remembers climbing columns for the first time. “It was amazing, life changing.” His advice for future apprentices is simple; “Learn as much as you can.”
Danta Beckwith working at William H. Gray III 30th Street Station.
Danta Beckwith
Uptown
Masonry Academy, Class of 2023 | Local 1 Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
After getting a text from a family member about the program, Danta signed up and never looked back. “These unions want the best, so give your best every day.” He’s on a path to becoming a journeyman, with hands-on experience restoring schools that shaped his passion for the trade.
Estefan Carrillo
Brewerytown
Carpentry Academy, Class of 2024 | Local 158 Carpenters
Estefan takes pride in giving back. One of his favorite projects was building a retirement home in Germantown. “I really enjoyed my experience,” he said. “Put your best foot forward and listen.”
Sean Jones sharing his journey to apprenticeship with the 2025 Masonry Academy participants at his University City worksite.
Sean Jones
Mayfair
Masonry Academy, Class of 2024 | Local 1 Bricklayers and Allied Crafts
Sean emphasized the power of positivity: “Stay positive and trust the process. Every day is a learning experience.” His favorite project was a hotel on 17th and Chestnut, and academy graduation day remains a highlight. He is now on the path to becoming a journeyman.
John Brown sharing his journey to apprenticeship with the 2025 Carpentry Academy participants at the Carpenters Technical School.
John Brown
North Philadelphia
Carpentry Academy, Class of 2024 | Local 251 Floorlayers
Now a Floorlayer apprentice, John credits his training and friendships with shaping his work ethic. “Take it seriously. This program gave me the foundation I needed.” He hopes to be a project manager one day.
These stories represent just a few of the many Rebuild graduates transforming Philadelphia, turning skill into impact and construction into community. From restoring landmarks to raising skylines, Rebuild alumni are improving neighborhoods while creating meaningful careers.
Union Partnership and Community Investment
Rebuild’s success is built upon strong partnerships with local unions, including Local 158 Carpenters, Local 1 Bricklayers and Allied Crafts, and Local 401 and Local 405 Ironworkers. These unions not only open doors for new talent, but also provide critical education, mentorship, and career pathways.
Building the Future Together
As we celebrate National Apprenticeship Day, Rebuild Philadelphia honors the hard work and dedication of the tradespeople shaping our city’s future. Their stories are more than personal successes, they are a reflection of Rebuild’s mission: to invest in neighborhoods by investing in the people who call them home.
To anyone considering a career in the trades, Rebuild pre-apprenticeship graduates encourage you to take that first step. The journey requires commitment, but it’s one filled with purpose, and the rewards are real, lasting, and life changing.
To all current and future tradespeople: we see you, we celebrate you, and we’re proud to build this city with you. One project, one career, one community at a time.