Union Construction
Apprenticeship-Readiness Program
Learn from experienced union tradespeople about career opportunities in the trades. Apprenticeship-Readiness Program classes take place monthly. 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, have a valid driver’s license, 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 and participate in an Information Session, and pass a drug test.
Near the end of the ARP, career-seekers work with Cleveland Builds to develop a placement plan. The placement process is different for each trade and Cleveland Builds informs career-seekers about and guides them through applications, tests, interviews, and all other steps.
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 March through August. Followed by either a morning session or evening session September through November during 2025.