John Cruz of Cruz Cos. speaking to minority contractors and ABC members.

Mattapan, MA Cruz Companies president John Cruz, III joined a group of more than 75 minority contractors and ABC members to discuss ways to increase opportunities for people of color in the construction field. 

“The construction field is lacking a solid pipeline of minority talent, but Cruz Companies is working with industry leaders to come together with solutions,” said Cruz. “Together, we are committed to creating opportunities for people in our inner-city communities through contracting opportunities, training and apprenticeship programs.”

Boston mayor Martin Walsh plans to raise the city’s hiring goals to 40% people of color. However, a lack of experienced and trained workers remains a barrier.  

Cruz Construction, in partnership with the Associated Builders and Contractors of Massachusetts (ABC) MAPS program and YouthBuild Boston, runs a carpentry apprentice and labor apprentice program with six students currently enrolled; comprising four men and two women. 

The program gives young people the opportunity to work alongside their peers while developing skills in the high demand construction field. The four-year apprenticeship program provides apprentices with 4,000 total hours of training in the field and 4,000 in the classroom.

The event was held at the Church of the Holy Spirit and hosted by ABC chair Joe Barbone who thanked the Cruz organization for its work to increase access and opportunity for diverse workers in the industry. This January, Cruz was inducted into the ABC board of directors.