Recently, Literacy Pittsburgh staff had the opportunity to learn about the history of the Hill District. On a Friday afternoon, we watched and discussed WQED's documentary "Wylie Avenue Days,” which focuses on the rich history of the Hill District. We then visited the August Wilson Center to learn more about the writer August Wilson and his plays centered around life in the Hill District.
Students who are enrolled in the course, Introduction to Construction Trades, along with their Literacy Pittsburgh Instructor, Tina Burns, learn and work in a Pittsburgh landmark built during the Hill District’s heyday. The Energy Innovation Center opened as the Connelley Trade School in 1931, offering the opportunity to learn bricklaying and plastering, plumbing, auto mechanics, electrical wiring, carpentry, and more.
Building on that rich history, Pittsburgh Gateways developed the Energy Innovation Center, which “promotes energy-sector research and innovation while creating direct and deliberate bridges to job creation, entrepreneurship and urban economic revitalization.” Among their programs is Introduction to the Construction Trades. Students review many basics in the program, learn new aspects relevant to the trades, review key math used in the trades, and experience hands-on learning in this pre-apprenticeship program. Students who enroll in the program visit numerous trades throughout Western Pennsylvania, like carpenters, steam fitters, operator engineers, and the new airport, just to name a few. Literacy Pittsburgh was hired to teach the math portion of the program. Daily learning goals are listed on a whiteboard and help the student focus on which tasks are being reviewed for the day, including measurement. People in the trades use tape measures, speed squares, framing squares, and more to take accurate measurements. However, it all starts with knowing the inch and how the inch breaks down.
People in the trades use many measuring tools. However, it all starts with knowing the inch and how the inch breaks down.
The Energy Innovation Center builds on the deep history of the trades in our region, giving students a chance to change their lives through a new career. With the many changes in our country, this historic building has evolved over time. Today, it also houses corporate offices, technology companies, UPMC training classes, and University of Pittsburgh programs, just to name a few. It is designated as a Historic Landmark. Learn more about its history at this link.
If you are interested in the trades and want to learn more about the program at the Energy Innovation Center, click here. This pre-apprenticeship program will help a student who is seeking an apprenticeship in the trades. With hard work, focus and practice, an apprenticeship could be the next step.
Pictured here is the wind turbine located at the EIC. Read about the wind energy this turbine produces.
Literacy Pittsburgh (formerly Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council) helps create better lives through learning. Recognized as a national leader in adult and family literacy, Literacy Pittsburgh is the largest provider of adult basic education in Allegheny and Beaver Counties. Last year, Literacy Pittsburgh helped more than 4,000 individuals acquire the skills needed to reach their fullest potential in life and participate productively in their communities. Literacy Pittsburgh provides free, personalized instruction in workforce readiness, high school diploma test preparation, digital literacy, English language learning, math, reading, and family literacy through one-to-one and small class instruction. Founded in 1982, it serves local adults through numerous neighborhood locations and its Downtown Pittsburgh Learning Center.
