Urban Construction Jobs Program
A TradeFutures Partnership
Empowering Communities to Build the America of the Future
The building industry in America is experiencing a renaissance.
With the significant boost from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the construction industry is poised to create 1.6 million high-paying jobs over the next ten years, marking a pivotal moment in the industry's growth.
At the National Urban League (NUL), we believe that everyone deserves a piece of the pie to achieve economic equity. To empower our community and help build our future, NUL has partnered with TradeFutures to launch the Urban Construction Jobs Program.
Creating the Next Generation of Construction Workers
The construction industry generates 7.7 million jobs, including 5.7 million craft worker occupations that do not require a college degree. Through this program, our affiliates will recruit and train members of underrepresented communities, including African Americans, formerly incarcerated people, and women, to power this industry and build back their communities.
The program will provide:
- Social services
- Community support
- Job training
- Education that prepares participants for entry and success in registered apprenticeship
Participants take part in a training program, where they receive:
- Case management services
- Supportive services to cover expenses such as transportation, housing, childcare)
- A weekly training stipend
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- A case manager who provides coaching during the program and beyond.
- Post-hire follow-up services, such as mentoring and funding for boots and tools.
How to Get Involved
This four-year initiative targets six key Affiliate markets, including:
- Columbus Urban League
- Memphis Urban League
- Urban League of Philadelphia
- Urban League of Greater Kansas City
- Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh
- Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio
The program aims to recruit and enroll 13,000 participants in an Apprenticeship Readiness Program (ARP) and place 7,000 into Registered Apprenticeships in the building trades. An ARP is an educational program that provides participants with the fundamental skills and knowledge necessary to choose, obtain, and succeed in a formal Registered Apprenticeship in the construction industry.
Interested in getting involved? Contact an affiliate today.
The Scaling Apprenticeship Readiness Across the Building Trades initiative, along with associated outreach and technical assistance materials, is supported by the United States Department of Labor. A total of $5,520,420.72, or 100 percent, of the program is financed with federal funds.