
Ritchy Gabriel had been working as a physical therapy assistant making $14.90 an hour for the past seven years. Living paycheck to paycheck, he felt he had no future and had no idea where to go to improve his life. He lives in Huntington and saw Hamilton Arvelo, a graduate of Opportunities Long Island and also a resident of Huntington, doing so well it encouraged him to take a leap of faith and switch careers to construction. After completing the eight week program, Ritchy is now a first year apprentice with Local 200 Plumbers. “Being an apprentice takes the pressure off you and you can think about the next five to ten years.” He is looking forward to becoming a journeyman and being successful in the union. Ritchy and his wife are expecting their first child this December.

Ritchy Gabriel had been working as a physical therapy assistant making $14.90 an hour for the past seven years. Living paycheck to paycheck, he felt he had no future and had no idea where to go to improve his life. He lives in Huntington and saw Hamilton Arvelo, a graduate of Opportunities Long Island and also a resident of Huntington, doing so well it encouraged him to take a leap of faith and switch careers to construction. After completing the eight week program, Ritchy is now a first year apprentice with Local 200 Plumbers. “Being an apprentice takes the pressure off you and you can think about the next five to ten years.” He is looking forward to becoming a journeyman and being successful in the union. Ritchy and his wife are expecting their first child this December.