Union Construction
Apprenticeship-Readiness Program
Learn from experienced union tradespeople about career opportunities in the trades. Apprenticeship-Readiness Program classes take place each month (except July and December). Classes are offered during the day and evening to allow career-seekers with different work schedules to participate.
The classes are designed to enable career-seekers to determine the trades they are most interested in and to allow trainers to determine if a participant is likely to achieve success in a union apprenticeship.
As an industry-led non-profit with a contract with the City of Cleveland, Cleveland Builds requires participants to be drug-free and gives priority to career-seekers who are under the age of 40 and are Cleveland residents. Cleveland Builds also strongly encourages people of color and women to apply.
Career-seekers who successfully complete the program, pass a drug test, and who have access to reliable transportation will be placed in union apprenticeships. Cleveland Builds will also provide participants with ongoing support following placement.
Apprenticeship-Readiness Program Events
In order to participate in the Apprenticeship-Readiness Program, career-seekers must sign up, be invited to participate in an Information Session, and pass a drug test.
Near the end of the ARP, career-seekers participate in a Placement Workshop and finally a Graduation. The Placement Workshop is designed to help prepare career-seekers for the process of applying and interviewing for apprenticeships and working with the Cleveland Builds team to get placed in an apprenticeship as quickly as possible.
Most months, ARP classes begin the first Tuesday for daytime sessions and Wednesdays for evening sessions. The final Wednesday of the month is typically when Graduation takes place. We plan to offer a morning session and an evening session each month during 2024 except for July and December.