Randolph, MA – Bridge 2 Trades (B2T), a program founded by New England Patriots’ captain, Deatrich Wise Jr., and NEI General Contracting, announced the graduation of its 2024 cohort of students. The graduation ceremony was held at Patriot Place in Foxboro.
Bridge 2 Trades was established to connect students with practical, real-world exposure and training that equips them with the skills needed across various industries, construction being the first of many trades Wise Jr. and B2T will tackle. Each year, B2T focuses on fields facing a shortfall of skilled workers. The 2024 B2T six-week exploratory program, co-led by NEI, provided students with certifications such as OSHA 10 and First Aid, CPR and Narcan, as well as workshops on drone operation, building information modeling (BIM), and exposure to plan reading, project management and pre-construction concepts. Students were also exposed to hands-on experiences in the construction industry, including training in plumbing and electrical, during their site visits to local union training centers. NEI led day-to-day operations and facilitated workshops that brought the curriculum to life.
“Our collaboration with NEI has been instrumental in delivering a program that truly makes a difference in the lives of young people,” said Wise Jr. “By providing access to mentorship and real-world experiences, we are helping to build a workforce that is not only skilled but also confident in their abilities to succeed.”
“At Bridge 2 Trades, our mission extends beyond teaching trade skills; we’re committed to developing well-rounded individuals,” said Taisha Crayton, director of Bridge 2 Trades. “Our students receive both professional and personal development training, equipping them with real-world strategies to stand out in a competitive industry, grow and protect their personal brand, and consistently show up prepared and as the best version of themselves. We are so thrilled about our partnership with NEI, whose expertise has been vital in launching this program.”
NEI’s diversity and inclusion director, Andre’ Barbour, was deeply involved with the 2024 cohort. “Too often, career paths are seen as one-size-fits-all, but programs like B2T demonstrate that there are multiple ways to build a successful and fulfilling career,” said Barbour. “NEI is proud to work alongside Deatrich and B2T, as our missions align in creating opportunities for young people to secure their futures. We look forward to following the careers of these graduates and hope to welcome many of them to NEI’s projects in the future.”
