At the ULA Network, we believe the strength of our communities is built by the people who construct them. Few examples capture that mission better than the work being done by Tile, Marble & Terrazzo Local 7 of New York and New Jersey and the leadership of Tom Nolan, the union’s dedicated Apprentice Coordinator.
In our recent interview, Tom Nolan shared how Local 7 is creating life-changing career pathways for nearly 90 apprentices across three highly skilled crafts, proving that union apprenticeship programs remain one of the most powerful and often overlooked engines of economic opportunity in America.
An Apprenticeship Model That Works
“Apprenticeships are often overlooked,” Nolan explains yet they provide one of the most complete career pipelines available today.
At Local 7, apprentices don’t just learn a trade. They build a profession, a future, and a community.
1. Paid While You Learn
Unlike traditional education paths that leave students with debt, Local 7’s program allows apprentices to earn while they learn. From day one, participants are:
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Working on real job sites
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Gaining hands-on experience
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Receiving competitive wages as they develop their skills
This approach allows apprentices to support themselves and their families while building a long-term career.
2. A Structured Education System
Apprentices return to school one day a week for four to five years, reinforcing their on-the-job training with:
This blend of classroom education and field experience ensures every apprentice is fully prepared for the demands of the industry.
3. A Built-In Support Network
One of the greatest strengths of Local 7’s program is its mentorship culture.
Apprentices are guided by seasoned instructors many with 20 to 30 years of experience in the field who serve as a constant support system. When challenges arise, there’s always someone available to provide guidance, technical assistance, and real-world solutions.
As Nolan describes it, this creates a “safety net” that helps apprentices grow with confidence.
4. Training More Than a Trade
Local 7 doesn’t just teach craftsmanship they teach professionalism.
Apprentices are expected to show up:
While the work itself is demanding involving dust, dirt, heavy lifting, and physical endurance Nolan emphasizes that the trades are absolutely learnable for anyone willing to put in the effort.
“If you’re willing to work, you can learn this,” Nolan says.
Why This Matters
Programs like Local 7’s apprenticeship model are doing more than filling jobs they are:
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Creating middle-class careers
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Strengthening local economies
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Preserving world-class craftsmanship
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Building safer, more resilient communities
This is exactly the kind of workforce development the ULA Network exists to support, promote, and scale.
Get Involved
If you or someone you know is looking for a meaningful, well-paid career with long-term stability and growth, the apprenticeship program at Tile, Marble & Terrazzo Local 7 offers an extraordinary opportunity. Visit: www.baclocal7.org
At the ULA Network, we are proud to highlight leaders like Tom Nolan and the members of Local 7 who are proving every day that union training builds more than buildings it builds futures.
