Workforce Spotlight: Kamonte Brown
Kamonte Brown pictured at the Obama Presidential Center project site
Kamonte Brown found his path in construction with the support of St. Paul Community Development Ministries, a We Can Build It Consortium Partner, and their twelve-week pre-apprenticeship training program. Upon graduation, Kamonte joined the II In One Contractors team and is now working onsite at the Obama Presidential Center — his first job in construction!
Kamonte spoke with us about his journey in construction and the future he hopes to help build for Chicago. Read on below:
Q: What kind of support did St. Paul Community Development Ministries provide?
Brown: When you first decide to pursue a career in the trades, it can be overwhelming because there are so many options and ways to further your career. St. Paul not only helped with general preparation for skills like getting up early and being on time, but they had contractors come in to teach us about the tools for each trade, how to look at blueprints, and how to study for union and apprenticeship tests. Their connections helped me meet a lot of great people in the industry.
Q: How did you get connected to St. Paul Community Development Ministries?
Brown: My uncle has a friend that went through the program and he was doing really well in life. He told me to try it out because I knew I wanted to get into construction but never knew how. Everything worked out in my favor!
Q: What kind of work do you do onsite? What do you enjoy most about it?
Brown: I work with II in One Contractors as part of Concrete Collective. Currently, I’m helping to build the deck for the garage by placing rebar. I also worked on the core, tying up walls. I really like learning and spending time with fellow tradespeople onsite. They all teach me something different, and I’m learning everyday about not only the job, but life as well.
Q: What advice would you give someone who is seeking a career in the trades?
Brown: Do your research! Figure out what you want to do, and reach out to organizations like St. Paul for support. They will help get you to the right places.
Q: What is your greatest hope for the outcome of the Obama Presidential Center project?
Brown: I see it being a place where community members can go to create something. I hope the OPC will be a place where people can openly use and develop their talent.
Q: What does it mean to you to be a part of the Obama Presidential Center project?
Brown: It means a lot. Knowing that this project is for the Obamas’ legacy is mind blowing. Seeing the OPC come together piece-by-piece makes it even better. I’m new to construction, and so seeing the progress up close brings a whole new perspective.