Columbia Basin Job Corps Center

Approaching his 40th anniversary as a proud OPCMIA member, John D. Zapata, Jr., graduated from Local 783’s apprenticeship program in 1986. Since 2004, he has served as a cement mason instructor. “Starting my career as a basic cement mason instructor gave me the opportunity to work with young adults wanting to better themselves, therefore providing me with personal growth,” he said. “I was privileged to be offered the Advanced Cement Mason program several years into my career, affording me further opportunities to work with students eager to build upon their fundamental knowledge of cement masonry.”

Alejandro Barajas graduated from the Cascades Job Corps Center and later graduated from the OPCMIA Local 478 apprenticeship program. He brings 14 years of experience as an OPCMIA cement mason to the Columbia Basin Job Corps Center. “Job Corps introduced me to the construction industry and I’m grateful for the opportunity to do the same for the next generation,” he said.

A 2004 graduate of the OPCMIA Job Corps program, Shane Gillespie worked as a plasterer until his appointment as Plastering Instructor with the Columbia Basin Job Corps Center. “Job Corps initially taught me how to plaster,” he said. “I plastered for 11 years for a non-union shop, but then I opened my own business and became the first signatory contractor in 20 years for OPCMIA Local 72.”