Blue Cross Blue Shield

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is no stranger to Rhode Island. As the decision was made to build a new corporate headquarters in downtown Providence, Building Futures welcomed the opportunity to partner around the Apprentice Utilization Program.

BCBS, through Dimeo Construction, has been leading by example from the start of the construction. Building Futures met with Dimeo in the early phases of the building process, creating a 'hiring plan' for new and local apprentices to start with different craft contractors as the project progressed.

The AUP in this case was integrated directly into the Project Labor Agreement (PLA) in place for the BCBS headquarters construction. Dimeo Construction has clearly shown their commitment and enthusiasm for the program, helping to facilitate nine graduates of Building Futures being placed in a variety of trades and contractors.

While construction was underway, Building Futures and Dimeo met the 25 to 30 placements that were planned for at the project's start on behalf of BCBS.

We are particularly impressed with the proactive stance of Dimeo Construction in helping to create a skilled trades' workforce through us and the AUP to accomplish the goals of BCBS. A number of Building Futures graduates were present at the ribbon cutting ceremony which officially opened the BCBS building on October 6, 2009.

From left to right, Nathaniel Anthony, Building Futures Graduate, Hassan Brown, Building Futures Graduate, Jim Purcell, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Bradford Dimeo, Dimeo Construction, Mark Spaulding, Director of Architecture, Symmes Maini & McKee Associates, Andrew Cortés, Director, Building Futures