IUOE Local 825

06/01/2026

Local 825 was proud to host the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention’s Hike for Hope at the NJ Training Center. With beautiful weather and an incredible turnout of members, families and friends, the event raised more than $60,000 to support su***de prevention programs.

The day featured inspiring remarks from New Jersey Construction Hike for Hope Co-Chairs Barbara Brennan and Chris Lalevee, along with motivational speaker Mark Farrell. Attendees also enjoyed a ceremonial dove release, food trucks, games, a scenic walk around the training center and a raffle and 50/50 drawing following the hike.

Thank you to all of the sponsors, volunteers and participants who helped make this event a success.

05/28/2026

The “Direct Connection” project is reshaping one of South Jersey’s busiest roadways. Work on the I-295/I-76/Route 42 Interchange in Bellmawr, Mt. Ephraim and Gloucester City is focused on improving safety and reducing congestion for thousands of drivers each day.

Operating Engineers of South State are working on the new I-295 direct connection bridge over I-76/Route 42, allowing traffic to move continuously without relying on the current 35 mph ramps. The project includes other measures to optimize traffic flow including ramp improvements and bridge reconstructions, including the Rt 130 bridge over Big Timber Creek.

Thank you to Lawrence Taylor for the site visit, and to all of the people building a better transportation network in South Jersey.

05/27/2026

Construction Industry Career Day 2026 gave students a chance to explore the many opportunities and occupations within the construction industry through hands-on activities across the trades.

Local 825 was proud to be on-site with a brand new mobile simulator unit, where Matt Walker, Bobby Lane and Rick Marvin helped students get behind the controls and practice operating equipment.

Inside, Chris Szpila, Shana Grace and Kelvin Duran-Jiminez answered questions and shared information about the apprenticeship program. ELEC’s Gina Sullivan volunteered throughout the event, helping feed the hungry students.

Thank you to ELEC for sponsoring another successful Construction Industry Career Day and helping introduce the next generation to careers in the trades.

05/26/2026

For too long, students have been told they need to choose between college and the trades. The reality is, both paths can work together. Skilled trades offer hands-on experience, strong wages and career opportunities while higher education can help members continue growing professionally throughout their careers.

At Local 825, members build rewarding careers while gaining the skills and knowledge needed for long-term success on and off the jobsite.

Read more: “College or the trades: Why not both?”

Explore the benefits of pursuing both college and trades. Discover unique partnerships for student career success.

05/22/2026

Memorial Day is often seen as the unofficial start of summer, a long weekend spent with family, friends and time outdoors.

But it is also important to remember what the day represents. Memorial Day is a time to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the country. Their sacrifice made possible the freedoms and opportunities enjoyed every day.

Wishing members and friends a happy Memorial Day weekend.

05/21/2026

Get ready to cast your lines and reel in the big one! Join us for the 8th Annual Local 825 Fishing Tournament aboard the Miss Belmar. This event is open to Members, Friends & Family.

Calling all anglers!

05/19/2026

The countdown is on! Only two days remain to submit photos for the Historical Photo Contest.

More than 50 members have already shared pieces of their family history, stories from their parents and grandparents and moments that helped shape Local 825. Now the question is, will your story become part of history too?

Winning entries will receive Yeti coolers, just in time for summer and all submitted photos will be displayed at the Semiannual Meeting.

Don’t miss the chance to preserve the memories and traditions that built this union. Submit to www.825photocontest.com

05/18/2026

The results of this year’s Local 825 Scholarship Awards are in. These children and grandchildren of members have each won $10,000 over four years to help pay their college expenses. More information will be included in our upcoming newsletter. Congratulations to all our 2026 scholarship winners! In alphabetical order, they are:

Salvatore Borrometi of Saddle Brook, son of Carmen Borrometi, winner of the Outstanding Student Athlete Scholarship.

Sebastian Fraczek of Lodi, son of Marek Fraczek, winner of an Academic Scholarship.

Eva Lalevee of Hackettstown, daughter of Gary Lalevee, winner of an Academic Scholarship.

Mickey McGovern of Ocean Township, son of Bryan McGovern, winner of an Academic Scholarship.

Grace Meyers of Branchville, granddaughter of Patrick Tamburro, winner of an Academic Scholarship.

Joaquin Nikolic of Clark, son of Uros Nikolic, winner of an Academic Scholarship.

Nora Gill of Newton, daughter of Kieran Gill, winner of the Outstanding Appreciation/Understanding of Unionism Scholarship.

Gabriela Quevedo of Westampton, daughter of Walter Quevedo, winner of an Academic Scholarship.

Abagale Ranger of Mays Landing, daughter of John Ranger, winner of an Academic Scholarship.

Laila Angelique Turan of Riverdale, daughter of Burak Turan, winner of the Outstanding Student Service Scholarship.

05/14/2026

05/14/2026

“The Fog” by Rodney Pena, shot at the natural gas compression facility in Eldred, New York. Featured in the image is either an LTR 1220, with a 220-ton capacity, or an LTR 1100, with a 100-ton capacity. Thanks to Rodney for sharing this piece of history.

There's one week left to submit your photos to the IUOE Local 825 Historical Photo Contest. Submit photos by May 21 at 825photocontest.com. Selected photos will be displayed at the Semi-Annual Meeting on June 29. First place prize: YETI 45 Cooler.

Submit your piece of Local 825 history today!