Osvaldo Lara works in construction at ALL MANSORY, where he has been employed for over 10 years. He’s been doing construction since he was 18 and is now 42. He wasn’t in the union at first, but when he had the chance to join, he did—and was very satisfied.
Here’s what Osvaldo Lara had to say about his job:
Q: What inspired you to choose this career?
A: “Working in the same company as my brothers and the money that I make.”
Q: How has your job changed since it first started?
A: “The new ways to get the job done, like the new tools that have been created that made the job easier and faster.”
Q: Where do you currently work, and what is your specific role there?
A: “I work in the union (ALL MANSORY) as a journeyman.”
Q: What kind of education or training did you need to get in this job?
A: “At least two years of high school.”
Q: How long have you been working in the field, and how did you get started?
A: “Since 18, been doing it. Then later joined the union and ever since. I got started because my brothers were already in the union, so they helped me out.”
Q: Are there any licenses, tests, or certifications required for your job?
A: “You need OSHA 30 and two years of high school.”
Q: What kind of hours or schedule do you usually keep?
A: “Wake up at 6 a.m., get to the job site at 7:30, finish at 3, and repeat this Monday–Saturday.”
Q: What do you enjoy most about this career?
A: “Being able to leave things done the right way.”
Q: If someone wanted to do what you do, what would be their first step after high school?
A: “Definitely applying to the union, and if you have connections, use them as much as possible to get bumped up ahead of others.”
Q: Do you remember how much it cost?
A: “You pay a fee of $400–$450 to join the union.”
