100 Massachusetts residents graduate from Pipefitters Local 537’s five-year training program amidst New England’s building boom

Dorchester, MA As the building boom continues in New England, nearly 100 apprentices of Pipefitters Local 537 graduated from an intensive five-year training program. Among the newly declared journeypersons is Pipefitters class president Bryan Longmoore, refrigeration class president Steven Bisson, and a building pathways alumnus Matthew Joseph.

After five years of mastering the program’s curriculum, these best-trained pipefitters, welders, and HVAC technicians, in the construction industry, including five veterans, will now join the ranks on project sites across the area.

Apprentices learn their trade in a new, modern training center. The 70,000 s/f building, which opened in 2019, includes classrooms, more than 80 welding bays and space to train future pipefitters.

“I’m proud to be a part of this apprenticeship class. It has supported my career development immensely. Our training facility is state-of-the-art, and our teaching staff are some of the top techs in the field. The teachers dedicate their time to the next generation to ensure we are prepared to continue the excellent workmanship that is expected from a Local 537 member,” added Steven Bisson of Worcester, Refrigeration Division Class President.

“This class has shown true determination throughout their apprenticeship, especially during such uncertain times,” said Paul McGrath, Local 573 Training Coordinator. “Their skills are in high demand as we continue to build up the region. Each of the graduates has a bright future and many exciting opportunities ahead.”

Building Pathways alumnus Matthew Joseph is a testament to the strength and spirit of Local 537 apprentice graduates. In pursuit of more prosperous career for himself, Joseph discovered the Building Pathways pre-apprenticeship program, a career pipeline designed to create

opportunities for low-income area residents and underserved communities to access and prepare for building trades apprenticeships and family-sustaining careers in the construction industry.

“This program has given low-income minorities the opportunity to make an honest wage, explore union careers, and be a part of the middle class so they can go and support their family. This journey was bigger than me, and I knew that I could soon be an inspiration and resource to uplift my community,” said Matthew Joseph of Randolph, Pipefitters journeyperson and Building Pathways alumnus.

At Local 537, apprentices “earn while they learn,” working in the field on a graduated wage scale while receiving instruction in the evenings. After completing the five-year training program, they graduate with jobs, great benefits, and no debt.

“Not only was I inspired to continue my family's legacy in the trade, but I also saw the value of a union career. I wanted to join a profession that supported working people, and for so long it has provided a great life for my family,” said Bryan Longmoore of Waltham, Pipefitters Class President.

With over 3,000 members and growing, Local 537 has consistently strived to improve the way people live and work, from training programs to job productivity and safety. The newly graduated tradesmen and tradeswomen are primed to make strides on projects including schools, residential buildings, hospitals, and more as they emerge from their apprenticeship.