Summary
The Missouri Apprentice Ready program, which launched in Springfield in March 2022, aims to prepare individuals for careers in the building and construction trades through a structured pre-apprenticeship program. Over five weeks each quarter, participants receive training, including OSHA 10 and CPR certification, and foundational skills in construction math, ultimately connecting them with registered apprenticeship opportunities in local trade unions.
Since its inception, the program has successfully graduated 13 participants, with several already securing placements in registered apprenticeships. The initiative highlights the importance of creating pathways into skilled trades, particularly for minorities, women, and veterans, as it expands to new locations like Kansas City and continues to build on its roots from the Building Union Diversity initiative in St. Louis.
Why this matters for apprenticeships
This story underscores the critical role that pre-apprenticeship programs play in fostering a skilled workforce by providing essential training and support. By targeting underrepresented groups, Missouri Apprentice Ready helps to diversify the talent pool in the trades, making registered apprenticeships more accessible and promoting sustainable career pathways for future workers.