Far Rockaway builder earns Worker of the Month recognition

The organization Building Skills New York named Far Rockaway native Kenya Hayward as their August Worker of the Month. Photo courtesy of Building Skills New York

By David Brand

A Far Rockaway native has earned the title of Worker of the Month from a nonprofit organization that trains New Yorkers for roles in the construction industry.

Building Skills New York named Kenya Hayward as their August Worker of the Month for his work at a Brooklyn-based company specializing in superstructure construction. 

Hayward, a veteran construction worker, was struggling to find a job in the field when he connected with Building Skills. The organization helped him secure a spot on a jobsite in 2017.

In December 2019, Building Skills recommended Hayward for a job working on the Rockaway Village development, near his home in the NYCHA Redfern Houses. Hayward has continued working throughout the COVID-19 crisis.

“Finding employment in construction can be hard, but Building Skills makes the process simple,” Hayward said. “No matter where my future career takes me, I know the organization will always have my back.”

Building Skills helped place 340 workers on construction sites last year. The organization also offers job support and training.

Local Councilmember Donovan Richards congratulated Hayward for his commitment and praised the work of Building Skills.

“Kenya Hayward’s story demonstrates the important place that workforce development and job creation programs have in our community,” Richards said. “Expanding access to good construction jobs is a key piece in advancing Queens’ economic goals and putting workers like Mr. Hayward on a path of long-term career success.”