BROOKLYN, NY July 2019 –Building Skills New York, a non-profit organization working to provide underserved New Yorkers with good paying jobs, announced today July Brooklyn Worker of the Month, Shirlan France.

France works for North South Masonry on the Arker Erskine Fountain Ave site, a large affordable housing project in East New York. After 15 years as a teacher, France decided to follow her life-long dream of working in construction and sent her resume to BSNY.

“I’ve always wanted to work in construction and getting connected with Building Skills was a game-changer for me,” said France. “They opened up a world of opportunity for me through their job placement program. I’m so grateful for what this opportunity will bring me and my family.”

Last year Building Skills NY filled 235 NYC construction and related jobs, with Brooklyn residents making up more than a quarter of workers placed. Recently, Building Skills NY announced a significant mid-year increase in construction job placements and improved efficiency in worker screenings. Job placements for the first half of 2019 are up more than 70% compared to the first half of 2018.

Building Skills helps New Yorkers find work through free job training and job placement services. Additionally, Building Skills continues to provide on-the-job support to each worker as they seek to broaden their skillset and advance their construction career.

BSNY’s “Worker of the Month” monthly series aims to highlight and honor workers placed in jobs throughout New York City.