About Building Futures
Building Futures is a new program designed to help low-income Franklin County residents pursue careers in the skilled construction trades including electrical work, iron work, carpentry, painting, plumbing and more (
complete list below). An apprenticeship is the traditional process for training and educating a worker as a skilled craftsperson. Apprentices complete on-the-job training and education in the classroom and enjoy good wages and benefits, including health insurance, vision, and dental coverage.
The 12-week Building Futures "pre-apprenticeship" program provides you with the skills and trade-specific instruction to enter an apprenticeship. The program lays foundation you need to build your career in the skilled trades. The first weeks of the program focus on "soft skills" training, including interpersonal skills and financial literacy, followed by several weeks of "hard skills" training, including safety certification and trade-specific instruction, all while receiving a weekly stipend.
Building Futures also connects you with other supportive services offered by Franklin County to help address barriers like transportation, housing, child care and more. At the end of the program, you will complete an entrance assessment to progress directly into an apprenticeship in a skilled construction trade.
Building Futures was developed in partnership with the
Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council and administered by the
Columbus Urban League.
Trade Unions offering apprenticeships
| Boilermaker |
Electric |
Painting |
| Bricklayer |
Elevator Installer/Repair |
Pipefitter |
| Carpentry |
Flooring |
Plumbing |
| Concrete |
Heavy Equipment Operator |
Roofer |
| Construction |
HVAC |
Sheet Metal Worker |
| Dry Wall |
Iron Work |
Welding |
Want to Learn More?
If you have additional questions, you can call
614-323-5496 or email Leland Bass at
[email protected]