Anthony Lantini, a 2016 graduate of New England Laborers’ Cranston Public Schools Construction Career Academy, is proof that hard work pays off. As someone who bought a house at age 23 and now owns several vehicles as a result of his career, Lantini revisited his high school’s hallways last Thursday to talk with juniors and seniors about his career and to motivate them to keep working hard.

Lantini, a Johnston resident, is a labor steward working on Providence College’s Shanley Hall. As a Union representative, he’s looking out for workers’ rights – making sure they’re treated properly and shifting people to other projects when the project they’re on is winding down.

“Pay attention to everything these guys teach you out there,” said Lantini. “This is a career you don’t want to pass up.”

NEL/CPS Construction Career Academy was established in 2002. Students who have an interest in the construction trades are encouraged to investigate the school’s construction programming which provides students with all the necessary subjects and credits to earn a high school diploma in Rhode Island and enter an apprenticeship program at the same time. After graduation, the school offers a four-week apprenticeship program at the New England Laborers’ Training Academy in Pomfret, Connecticut, where – after completing the course – individuals are awarded with 20 credits toward an Associates Degree in Technical Studies and Applied Science at CCRI. Those who attend the training in Pomfret must have a driver’s license and pass a drug test.

Lantini shared that when he first left high school, he figured he’d be involved with the Laborers Union for several years and possibly find something different. He saw the work as a job rather than a career; however, with a little guidance and meeting people in the field, Lantini decided to stay with the union.

Joe Caparco, New England region apprentice coordinator for Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA), added that the school’s staff is here to support students.

“You don’t have to be an A+ student,” said Caparco. “You have to show up everyday and try as hard as you can, and then we’re going to find your strong point and go out of our way to help you.”

Caparco added that he is currently renting a car for a student who graduated last year because the individual slipped through the cracks since he didn’t get his driver’s license. The graduate ended up on a job site and would take the bus and walk two miles every day. Caparco is now paying for him to go take his driver’s test.

Having Lantini speak with students wasn’t a random decision, according to Caparco.

“The reason I picked Anthony to come here is because there’s not a person in this class that he can’t relate to your situation,” Caparco said.

He added that the message may resonate more coming from someone who’s been in these students’ shoes.

Educators also discussed the Laborers Union’s benefit package including wages, health insurance, annuity and pensions. But, besides the money, Caparco added that there’s a sense of accomplishment for working on a project knowing you earned that money and are making a difference.

The Construction Career Academy’s teachers have all worked in the industry. While students regularly attend their core subjects, they have a daily construction component as well. Freshmen and sophomores have one class period devoted to construction work while juniors and seniors have two hours. Some of their current coursework includes creating a 40 foot long pedestrian bridge and learning how to install a fire hydrant. Students recently finished the fire hydrant’s underground water system and are getting ready to lay cement. This work is all completed in a large bay created as a stimulation of a job site; students learn how to use different tools and explore job options. 

Lantini recently went back to school to further his education. Through additional classes, he will be able to gain more certificates that result in additional work opportunities.

“It’s not a dream, it’s not a one in a million, it’s a reality,” Caparco told students.