The 33-story luxury tower served as the backdrop for an event celebrating union workforce development and economic opportunity for underserved communities.
The gleaming sky suite of Iconiq 777 provided an elegant setting Thursday night for the Pathways to Apprenticeship (P2A) awards ceremony, where labor leaders, developers, and community advocates gathered to celebrate a program transforming lives through union trade opportunities.
The event, held at the 33-story luxury residential tower in downtown Newark, raised more than $150,000 for the nonprofit program that prepares individuals from underserved communities and formerly incarcerated populations for apprenticeships with labor unions.
P2A executive director John Blyden emphasized the program’s rigorous standards during the ceremony. “Everybody doesn’t make it,” Blyden said. “If you don’t show up on time, don’t pay attention in class, don’t show the right attitude, you’re out. This is not a program where everybody gets a trophy.”
Union Leadership Recognizes Program Impact
Mike Hellstrom, vice president and Eastern Regional Manager of LiUNA (Laborers’ International Union of North America), received the labor award for his role in supporting the program. Hellstrom described P2A as beneficial for both workers and unions.
“This is a life-changing program where we’re using our resources as a union to help give people a direct entry into our apprenticeship program,” Hellstrom said. “If they can get through this training, then we know they can be successful.”
The program offers participants access to apprenticeships with laborers, carpenters, bricklayers, and elevator constructors unions. Enrollees complete a 6- to 8-week training program that includes basic skills assessments and character evaluation before advancing to union apprenticeships.
Developer Recognition at Iconiq 777 Event
Wasseem Boraie, vice president of Boraie Development, received the Developer of the Year award during the ceremony. The choice of venue held particular significance, as Iconiq 777 exemplifies Boraie Development’s commitment to union labor.
“We want the job done right,” Boraie said to applause from the crowd of approximately 100 attendees. The tower, completed using entirely union labor, stands as a 370-unit luxury residential building in Newark’s downtown district.
Boraie praised Joe Jingoli, winner of the Legacy Award, noting his “long history of creating programs that create opportunities for workers who otherwise have been left behind.” He also recognized Bill O’Dea for his work on inner-city workforce development programs.
Community Impact and Economic Opportunity
Essex County Commissioner and P2A President Wayne Richardson highlighted the broader community benefits of the program. “This is about uplifting human beings and entire communities,” Richardson said. “It starts with one person, but when that one person starts showing up with a tool belt and stops hanging out on the block, it makes others see there are opportunities.”
The program takes a comprehensive approach to participant support. “We meet people where they’re at,” Blyden explained. “Whether it’s mental health, housing, food insecurity or transportation issues — whatever it is, we take all those hurdles away.”
P2A has grown since its 2021 launch in New Jersey. Richardson and Blyden announced that one of their next training classes, preparing workers for the Cooper University Hospital expansion project, has 45 enrollees.
Financial Support and Industry Backing
The program has received more than $1 million in grants from state and federal sources since its inception. Private sector support continues through developers like Boraie Development and other committed organizations.
Nick DiRocco, a vice president at South Jersey Industries, attended with colleagues in a show of support. “Being involved in a program that gives people a second chance to get into a career that’s not only life-altering for them but for their family is something we had to be a part of,” DiRocco said.
The union trades offer compelling career prospects for program graduates. “Everybody wants a good job with good wages, good benefits and a future that includes a good retirement,” Hellstrom said. “Building trades unions offer that.”
P2A continues expanding its partnerships with unions and community organizations. “The graduates we send out are our ambassadors,” Blyden said. “And once a union has a taste of a P2A graduate, they come back for more because they know they are getting a quality individual that’s ready to work.”
The ceremony at Iconiq 777 demonstrated the intersection of Newark’s development boom with workforce development initiatives, showcasing how luxury residential projects can support broader community economic goals through union partnerships and apprenticeship programs.
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