03/15/2026
💪 MEET LAURA BERMUDEZ
🌟 Laura participated in our MCA Immersion Program with MaineWorks in 2025 and began working with Crooker Construction as a pre-apprentice upon graduating from the program. We're excited to announce that she was just officially hired with them this week and will begin her apprenticeship journey soon. We can't wait to see how she continues to & her future!
Here's what Laura had to say when we caught up with her this week:
"The Maine Construction Academy gave me the tools and footing to feel comfortable at my starting point. I'd never considered construction and I didn't realize I was capable of anything other than minimum wage, dead end jobs.
Maine Works and coordinating with SMWRC (Southern Maine Women's Reentry Center) was instrumental to my release. They helped me navigate through the challenges of being in recovery, sober living, recovery networking, managing money, and workforce development.
As of yesterday I finished my pre-apprenticeship and signed on with Crooker Construction LLC, where I am employed as a Miner with the crushing crew. I love my job and enjoy going to work on a daily basis. My future is bright, I will continue to work hard, and grow within the company.
To the women who are thinking of a career in construction, just know there is a spot for all of us. If u want it, believe in yourself - I did and I'm happier today than I've ever been!"
Learn more about the Maine Construction Academy and upcoming opportunities to start YOUR future in construction here: www.buildingmaine.com/immersion-program