Opportunites come in many forms for many people. For women and minorities in particular, Hunter Roberts has seen the value in providing the support needed to effect change in the construction industry.

Hunter Roberts' staff consists of 41% women and minorities and we continually recruit to fill positions at every level. Our company-wide policy is to achieve a significant MBE/WBE participation on all of our projects.

We take pride in our role as corporate citizens and recognize the strength women and minorities have brought to the balance and overall success within the workforce. This is why we have partnered with NEW-Nontraditional Employment for Women.

Founded in 1978, Nontraditional Employment for Women (NEW) is one of the country's longest running, most effective training and placement programs for women in the trades. Through a 6-week pre-apprenticeship training, NEW prepares women for careers as carpenters, electricians, plumbers, painters and operation engineers, with starting wages averaging $15 per hour, benefits and a path to higher wage employment. James McKenna, CEO and President of Hunter Roberts stated: "NEW graduates have amazing stories to share. the are truly empowered women and Hunter Roberts is committed to supporting their organization."

"I believe firms that succeed are those which are best able to harness the collective knowledge of their employees." says Lawrence Petretti, President of Hunter Roberts Interiors. "We at Hunter Roberts are a culturally diverse group and understand that the collective knowledge of any group is enhanced by including people of different experiences and backgrounds."

Hunter Roberts' goal is to ensure that support and help for NEW graduates does not end there. As our partnership with NEW grows, we will develop ways to make sure NEW graduates are getting the most out of their careers and steadily breaking some of hte barriers that still remain. We want to spread the word about NEW and hope other firms will join as well to support the many women who look to make their mark in the construction industry.

Visit Nontraditional Employment for Women

April 2008 New York Construction Magazine