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Tag: Ibew local 103

Our new “Spotlight ON” feature kicks off with Journeywoman Heather MacMaster

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Thank you for visiting our new “Spotlight ON” feature where we will be speaking with members of the Gaston Team and asking them questions about their careers, backgrounds, and interests.

We’re kicking off this new series with Journeywoman Heather MacMaster. At the time of this post, Heather is working at the Boston University Center for Computing and Data Sciences Building.

How long have you been an Electrician?

Nearly 20 years.

Tell me how things have changed regarding Women on jobsites over your 20 years?

I went from being one of the only females onsite to being one of five on my current job. Females currently make up 10% of construction in Mass and are more accepted on jobsites.

I know you started a Facebook Group recently with some friends. What’s the name of it?

 It is called Boston Union Trade Sisters.

How did you start this group?

During the pandemic last year, I was talking to an old friend from another Local about the idea of starting a Facebook Group for all Women in the trades. It started with 5 Women and has grown to almost 700 in one year. 

Why did you start this group?

We wanted to create a safe space for Women in the trades to network, get advice on work-related issues and personal matters, and build a community of strong, confident females working in the construction field.

What has surprised you about this group of Women?

Seeing the amount of support people receive from strangers. It’s an uplifting group of Women; we really feel like sisters.

I understand you hold events throughout the year. What kind of events has your group hosted?

We’ve held bowling nights, self-defense class, cookouts, dance lessons, a double-dutch tournament – and soon we’re hosting our first Gala.

Can you talk more about the Gala? Tell me about the inspiration for this event and what should people expect if they attend?

The Facebook Group founders wanted to celebrate everything we’ve accomplished this past year. The Gala takes place on April 2nd in Quincy. We’ve already sold out and expect nearly 300 people. We’re going to have female speakers talking about the importance of Women in construction as well as dinner, dancing, and raffles to raise funds for the group and community.

What can we expect to see from Boston Union Trade Sisters in the future?

We’re hoping to grow, offer more continuing education for Women, and inspire other cities/states to create their own community of Tradeswomen.

Nina Radzim and Gaston Team Members Participate In STEM Webinar For Blackstone Valley Educational Foundation

On October 8th, Team Members from Gaston Electrical joined Consigli Construction to participate in the Blackstone Valley Educational Foundation STEM Webinar Series.

The series was developed to introduce middle school students to the many exciting career paths and opportunities that exist in STEM fields – including construction.

HR Director Nina Radzim spearheaded Gaston’s involvement and coordinated an overview of the subcontractor role which included Estimator Selene Burke, BIM Manager David Fiorini, and Prefabrication Shop Manager DJ Murray.

Each Team Member took time to explain their respective roles within the company, their responsibilities relating to projects, and their backgrounds. Students then asked questions via the webinar chat function. Of particular interest was the use of BIM in construction coordination, and the important role of women and minorities in the industry.

To learn more about the Blackstone Valley Educational Foundation, please visit https://bveducationfoundation.org/

 

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New Video Highlights Coordination And Prefabricated Load Centers At Quincy Residential Tower Project

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“Continuous Improvement” is one of our four core values at Gaston Electrical. More than just words, we try to put them into practice daily. This particular core value takes special attention and effort however – as it requires all of us to think outside the box, question the way we (as a company and industry) have always done things, then develop innovative solutions to meet our goals.

Creative problem solving won’t be found as a daily responsibility in most electrical job postings, but in today’s competitive construction market, it is essential. Our electricians, project managers, and prefabrication team members are continually solving problems and developing innovative solutions.

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Once Chestnut Place residential tower in Quincy, MA

 

They are highly-skilled at identifying opportunities for greater efficiency and increased safety, then putting plans into practice – all the while coordinating, adapting, and communicating across multiple departments (and with our clients) to ensure success.

Once such example is the successful collaboration between Project Manager Adam Stanieich , General Foreman Jim Ferris, Project Superintendent Mike Martinelli, and the Prefabrication Department Manager DJ Murray at our One Chestnut Place residential tower project in Quincy, MA.

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For this 140-room, 18 story apartment tower project, the team worked together to identify prefabrication opportunities at the outset – resulting in the creation of prefabricated load centers which could be assembled in our 15,000 SF shop and delivered to the jobsite, and wheeled into place per our schedule.

Please click here to view the video of this successful load center installation process and learn more about our prefabrication services.

Bill Weber delivers address to graduates at 2017 JATC ceremony

On June 8th, Bill Weber (Gaston Principal and NECA Boston Chapter Treasurer) delivered a graduation address to the outgoing 2017 Joint Apprentice & Training Committee (JATC) class. The event, held at the IBEW Hall in Dorchester, marked the 70th annual apprentice program graduation. Additional attendees and dignitaries included James O’Connell (Director of Training, JATC), John Dumas (Business Manager, Local 103, IBEW), Mike Monahan (International Vice President, IBEW Second District), and Lou Antonellis (President, Local 103, IBEW).

Congratulations to the 2017 Graduates – Job well done!

 

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Team Gaston wins 2017 Commodore Builders dodgeball tournament

On June 7th, the Gaston “Lights Out” Team participated in the 2017 Commodore Builders Dodgeball Tournament. This was the 10th annual event and once again, it proved to be one of the best AEC industry events in Boston! The competition was fierce, but through hard play, teamwork, and maybe a “little” luck, Gaston pulled out a win in the final. Special thanks to Joe Albanese and the entire Commodore Builders team for a fantastic evening. We look forward to competing again in 2018 – until then, we’ll be basking in the glow of dodgeball victory!!

 

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Gaston Electrical participates in OSHA’s 2017 National Safety Stand Down

Gaston Electrical works tirelessly to ensure a safe work environment for clients and employees on all jobsites. During the week of May 8th – 12th, the Gaston Team is participating in OSHA’s 2017 National Safety Stand Down. Rick Coakley, Corporate Safety Director is visiting Gaston jobsites during the week and will be conducting a stand down training on fall prevention. Below are photos of our Teams from various projects around the Greater Boston area.

 

May 8th – Harvard – Standish Hall / Cambridge, MA / Lee Kennedy

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May 9th – AMGEN / Cambridge, MA / Suffolk Construction

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May 10th – BU – Myles Standish Hall / Boston, MA / Shawmut Design & Construction

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May 11th – BU – Joan & Edgar Booth Theatre Complex / Boston, MA / Bond

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May 12th – Wayfair Copley Place / Boston, MA / Columbia Construction

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What a fantastic week – we successfully participated in the OSHA 2017 National Safety Stand Down. The informative fall prevention training led by Corporate Safety Director Rick Coakley will help to ensure safer work environments for our team and project partners! Looking forward to 2018. 

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New Hires / Jasinski featured in High Profile

High Profile Magazine recently featured the news of Brian Jasinski’s addition to the Gaston Electrical Team.

From the feature: “Our goal at Gaston Electrical is to consistently provide best-in-class services and solutions to our clients – which we achieve by working hard and having the best team in place,” commented Mike Weber, Principal of Gaston Electrical. “Brian is a knowledgeable industry veteran with a keen understanding for all facets of the electrical contracting business. His skillset gives him a unique ability to oversee our complex, large-scale projects while working to forge new relationships in the active Boston construction scene. His addition is a great complement to our talented team, and we are thrilled to have him aboard.”

Read more here.