Construction Training Program

Before CityBuild, Yan Zhen (Moon) Huang was doing various low-wage jobs, trying to support her family of 4 along with her husband. With the cost of living increasing in San Francisco, she looked towards CityBuild after a recommendation from her friend and former CBA graduate, Andy Zheng. At the academy, she gave it her all and managed to surpass everyone's expectation. After finishing the academy she became a Sheet Metal apprentice. With companies seeing her hard work, she was sent from one job site to the next, and is now a journeyman Sheet Metal worker.

Luis came to this country at a very young age and was raised in the Bayview by both of his immigrant parents, who had crossed the border illegally. He faced many barriers and challenges in his life that both affected his attendance in school and surviving without being deported. Even with the challenges he faced, he had dedication and ambition to learn, grow and reach his goals. In 2014, he returned to school and received his High School equivalence certificate and completed CityBuild Academy. All of the instructors liked his positive attitude and his willingness to learn and get down and dirty. From only being able to secure a temporary work social security card during his time when joining CityBuild, he was finally able to receive his Green card in 2019 under heavy immigration court venting and after several ICE raid of his home trying to deport him under the current government administration. He is currently an apprentice enrolled in Local 300 and is making a big contribution in the new development works for San Francisco’s new Bus Terminal.

“It’s been a long journey, and I am finally not dreaming, because I am not classified as a dreamer anymore. I am getting my green card, and I am going to be a productive Union American… the mason is just the beginning …” - Luis Jimenez CBA 26

With a likeable personality, hard working attitude, and a good heart, Ilia Shuvalov had been a handyman and worked for a non-union construction management company. With a baby on the way, he was looking to earn more.
 

Because of his background, he was able to pick up the hands-on lessons quickly. One of the CBA instructors had this say about him, “I knew he had it from day one, I was impressed by Illia from his interview before accepted to CBA 26 cycle...”  But because of his financial situation and he needs to work ASAP, he took in the Ironworkers trade because he can leave Citybuild early to make some money. Within a year’s time, Ilia gave up all of his weekends and free time on weeknights to knock out all of his welding certificates and became an all-around professional welder. Throughout the entire time, from his time at Citybuild Academy to afterwards, he kept up with us at TAAP and asked us to help him with his Elevator Constructor application, testing, and interviews. His “never say die” attitude that helped him to get into the Elevators union is something that’s worth applauding for.

“I could never have thought that I would be here without everyone at Citybuild and CCSC’s support to where I am today. At first I was skeptical about what you guys’ motives are, but after seeing what you are all about, I know I am in good hands… I will give back what I learn and carry on to see can we grow more members in the elevators I promise you that!”

- CBA 26 Ilia Shuvalov