Ira Berman | Craft Labor Instructor
Please join us in welcoming Ira Berman to the ABC Keystone team! Ira brings with him eight years of hands-on experience in the construction industry, having started his career as a laborer with the very company that first introduced him to ABC Keystone through the Carpenter Apprenticeship Program. He graduated from the program with a Certificate of Excellence and steadily advanced through the ranks—from laborer to apprentice, then carpenter, lead carpenter, and most recently serving as a “new and still learning” superintendent. Ira now joins ABC Keystone as a Craft Labor Instructor, where his dedication, field experience, and passion for the trades will be a valuable asset to our program and the future workforce. Welcome aboard, Ira!
What part of your role are you most excited about?
I’m most excited about yet another opportunity to pass along many positive lessons I myself have learned during my own journey and experiences coming up through the different stages of construction, along with the chance of learning new things and helping to develop what I hope to be a positive educational experience for my students and peers in construction.
What’s a skill or strength you bring to the team?
A skill or strength I bring is a unique ability to communicate with a diverse group of people from all walks of life and skills in a way that allows me to be genuine and humbly relate to and understand them, both on the work site and in the world.
What do you hope to contribute to ABC’s mission?
I hope to contribute a relatable approach to the learning development of my students while accurately communicating the curriculum and inspiring these people to keep moving forward and never giving up. If I can be where I am in my career today there is no doubt in my mind they can achieve anything they want to, because I am a living example of exactly that.
“Iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
What drew you to work in the construction industry?
The opportunity to gain new skills, create with my hands, and thrive in a physically demanding industry is what inspired me to pursue construction.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
In my free time, I enjoy motorcycle riding, gardening, and attending live music events. I have a passion for all forms of art, including the performing arts, and I love to travel and discover new experiences. Meeting new people and connecting through conversation is something I value, as I try to embrace life to its fullest.