For the past few years, Journeyman Carpenter Dante Kirkland has worked on some of the largest and most visible projects in Los Angeles. Prior to joining the Sixth Street Viaduct Replacement, he helped to construct the state-of-the-art football stadium in Inglewood: SoFi Stadium. Before that, he assisted with the stores and residences at the University of Southern California (USC) Village, just north of the main campus, and the nearby Lucas Museum of Narrative Art (founded by USC alumnus George Lucas).

It's quite a resume.

Dante's construction career began when he enrolled in the My Brother’s Keeper Pre-Apprenticeship Program. This bootcamp provides hands-on construction training and prepares participants for jobs in the industry. From there, Dante has continued to grow and learn on the job. He recently achieved Journeyman status after completing a four-year apprenticeship program and is a member of Southwest Carpenters Local 213.

Like Carlos Gonzalez, who was profiled in our previous newsletter, Dante attended a hiring event in April. Jobs Coordinator Veronica Manzo and Modern Times, Inc. (MTI) organized the event for candidates, including referrals from the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters. Applicants were able to meet with SSW superintendents for interviews during the event.

Now, Dante is working on the new viaduct to frame floor beams and bridge decks and install formwork for upcoming concrete pours. He has worked on large projects before, but the materials here are even bigger and heavier than he is used to. A native of Los Angeles, Dante looks forward to seeing all of the projects he works on come to life, so that he can tell his kids and family that he helped make that possible.

When he is not on the job, Dante still puts his carpentry skills to use, making custom tables and cabinets at home that he sells to others. He enjoys the challenge of doing something new, which is exactly the motivation needed to have a career like his.