Rettman pledges ongoing commitment to next-generation workers via B2T and WORC²
RANDOLPH, MA / ACCESS Newswire / July 7, 2026 / NEI General Contracting, an award-winning general contracting firm, announced today it has expanded its support of Bridge 2 Trades (B2T), a construction-focused career exploration program that prepares underrepresented youth and young adults for careers in the skilled trades. With a deep passion for investing in the tools and programs that will power next generation trades workers, NEI President Josef Rettman has championed support for programs like B2T for over a decade.
Photo Credit: Andy Ryan
Under Rettman's leadership, NEI previously founded the Workforce Opportunity Resource Center (WORC²). WORC² was designed from the ground up to engage local community-based businesses and workers in the construction industry, particularly those underrepresented in the market. Since its inception, WORC² has offered participating students "one-stop shopping" resources and technical support to promote worker development, business capacity building, and growth in the local construction community.
Bridge 2 Trades, an initiative of the Wise Up Foundation co-founded by former New England Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. and Chief Operating Officer Taisha Crayton, serves young adults ages 17 to 24 by combining classroom instruction with real-world exposure to the construction industry. Participants earn industry-recognized certifications, including OSHA 10, receive career mentorship, and explore opportunities in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, solar installation, carpentry, drywall, painting, and construction operations, and more.
