The Building Futures Program is updating its application page and admissions process. Please monitor this site for updates. When a new application page is live we will announce it here and provide a link. Thank you!
A pathway towards a brighter future
The award-winning Columbus Building Futures program equips members of underserved communities with life-skills and teaches them basic construction skills in order to prepare them for a building trades apprenticeship.
This 12-week program is a partnership between Franklin County and the Columbus/Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council.
It helps participants overcome challenges that might prevent them from beginning a construction career in the building trades, while showing them a pathway to a middle-class life.
The construction industry is booming in Central Ohio and a career with one of the affiliated trades will provide immediate participants with a great starting wage, health benefits and retirement benefits.
No experience in the construction industry is necessary, or required, to apply, as the Building Futures program is designed for individuals who are unemployed or under employed.
The program is not just about teaching participants the skills needed to work in construction, it also teaches them important life skills such as financial literacy, math and reading.
Many Building Futures participants have worked in low wage positions, earning little more than $8 per hour. As an apprentice, they can earn much more, if not double that amount, especially when working overtime.
During the program, members learn the importance of proper financial budgeting, which helps prepare them for future major purchases such as a vehicle, house, technology, furniture, etc. or how to budget to take care of a new family.
Men and women who successfully complete the Building Futures program can join one of the C/COBCTC affiliated trades including:
After the successful conclusion of the program, participants will have a pathway into a registered apprenticeship program.
Is a Career in the Trades a Good Fit for You?
A career as a union skilled trades professional offers many advantages over other career fields, from renowned health insurance and retirement plans to industry-leading training and educational opportunities to high wages and diverse career advancement opportunities. The opportunity to pursue a career in this industry also comes without tens of thousands in fees that necessitate loans that can burden a family or individual for decades. It also offers the opportunity to apply brain and brawn towards a valuable, productive end. However, these rewards do not come without sacrifice.
Individuals who are interested in the Building Futures program and a career in the trades should be interested in work in the trades and construction and understand what this means. This may mean working at heights (and they must accept that this part and parcel of the career field), not always commuting to the same place, sometimes driving 50+ miles to work and beginning work at 7:00 a.m. (and sometimes earlier). Importantly, interested individuals must understand that construction is teamwork, and that means that they must be able to show up on time every day, so the team of workers can start on time. Nowhere is the saying “time is money” more true than in the construction industry. Absences and tardiness cost everyone dearly. Both in the Building Futures program and in the career field itself, attendance standards are strictly enforced. Much of the work may require someone to be exposed to the elements and work outside and/or in unfinished buildings.
Union, skilled trades careers are valuable, profitable and in high demand in Central Ohio. They offer excellent rewards to career seekers but require strong performance from them as well.
Minimum Program Candidate Qualifications:
- pass a drug test, anytime and anywhere;
- have or be able to obtain a driver’s license (if you had a license and lost it we may be able to help you re-obtain it);
- have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent;
- be able to pass an Ohio Health physical fitness test;
- complete an ALEKS math test;
- must complete an interview with the Creating Central Ohio Futures (CCOHF); and
- reside in Franklin County.
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