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 eight key Affiliate markets, including:

• The Urban League of Greater Kansas City
• Urban League of Philadelphia
• Urban League of Greater Southwest Ohio
• Urban League of Greater Chattanooga
• Urban League of Pittsburgh,
• Columbus Urban League
• Urban League of Greater Cleveland
• Memphis Urban League

The program aims to recruit 7,000 participants and guide them toward enrollment in a trade council's Apprenticeship Readiness Program (ARP). An ARP is training to apply for apprenticeships, including classes in construction industry awareness and math, health and safety, financial readiness, and more.

Interested in getting involved? Contact an affiliate today.

_{This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)’s TradesFutures. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of DOL/ETA. DOL/ETA makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.}