The Ironworkers Local 29, Bricklayers Local 1, and Cement Masons Local 555, partnering with the Union Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training (U-PACT) program, offer a 12-week training to the men at South Fork Forest Camp.
U-PACT Oregon is a pre-apprenticeship program designed to provide basic to intermediate trade skills to adults in custody that will prepare them for a career in one of the three represented trades, reduce recidivism, and positively impact Oregon’s economy.
U-PACT Oregon participants take part in a fast-paced classroom and hands-on pre-apprenticeship program. They earn their OSHA 10 card and receive training in various trade-specific topics, as well as various life skills that will prepare them for a successful career and future outside of prison.
For many adults in custody, programs like U-PACT provide more than just education—they offer a chance to transform, grow, and build a future. Nicholas Tirapelli’s story is a powerful testament to dedication, perseverance, and the drive to succeed. Through his own words, he shares a personal perspective on the impact of U-PACT and the opportunities it has given him.
Read his impactful journal entry below, where he reflects on his journey and answers the question: What do you hope to get out of this program?
Well for starters I hope to get into better shape on my neck muscles where that damn rod rests, ha ha. Just huge motivation for the future right now. I hope to get really immersed in the culture of the union and get a feel for what it’s like to be in a union. I hope to get a little bit of my dignity back. I hope to finish strong and have a leg up when I get released. I hope to provide a better future for my daughter. I hope to represent Jesus Christ in the trades and the ability of a Christian man to overcome challenges in life and give God thanks for any suffering inflicted on this stupid body and make it a body for doing good, after all the evil I did with it.
I literally learned more math in two days than I have in the last 20 years. It’s 10 o’clock now and the light in our cabin is the only one on right now. Out of the 13 cabins, ours is buzzing with activity after 10 o’clock. Why? Because we were one day behind on math because of some reason, so we have to do 2 chapters in one night. Most of us are at an elementary grade math level, and of 12 guys, only 2 are trying to help the other 10.
I’ve seen men come together and help each other in a way that is certainly special. I was impressed by certain brother’s refusal to cheat. In fact, in a cabin full of “criminals,” nobody is cheating! A couple of the brothers expressed feelings of being overwhelmed to the point of quitting, but the general sense is one of excitement at learning. But it’s a lot. We went from a place of trying to keep your minds on autopilot and settle into the routine mindlessness of prison to 5th gear brainwork.
It’s taking a while to catch, but we are picking up speed. It seems someone in our group is good at something the others are not. So, we are leaning on each other. Taking the usual bravado and pride and ego that typically comes with prison culture and replacing it with one of shared cause, worthy of setting aside toxic negative attitudes and being willing to humbly ask a brother for help.
Anyway, I personally have learned 6 knots in two days, when all I’ve ever known was how to tie my shoes my whole life. The bowline, bowline bite, cats paw, the clove hitch and the square knots. Why I don’t tie my boots the same way anymore.
I have learned about the culture of the union and traditions. I am at the end of a 14-hour day that has been all U-PACT and its only day 2. Feels like day 12 because of the mind-numbing math and material.
My entire body is in pain from packing rebar 30 minutes twice a day for the last two days, plus the test day. I’m pretty sure he just wants to weed out the “wussys” that can’t hang, but I’m confident that the 12 men here aren’t going to give in or give up. So, jokes on you bub! Ha ha but yeah, every day is super painful. Like this separates the boys from the men. At the beginning of each pack, there is this calling of will power. I’ve heard other men talk of their kids or the money as motivation to subject themselves to such punishing, painful repetition. I myself, just want to fulfill my commitment. Its eleven o’clock and I’m fried – lights out.
Nicholas Tirapelli
Nicholas Tirapelli’s journey through the U-PACT program is a testament to perseverance, personal growth, and the power of opportunity. His experience reflects the dedication of those willing to push through challenges, support one another, and build a foundation for a better future. Programs like U-PACT not only equip participants with valuable skills but also creates a sense of purpose and community, a key element in creating lasting change.
