Building Futures is a job training program that helps low-income men and women prepare to enter one of 12 different construction apprenticeship programs. Over the last 13 years they have placed nearly 300 graduates into the skilled construction trades including as electricians, laborers, carpenters, iron workers, plumber/pipefitters, painters/tapers, brick and tile layers, sheet metal workers, etc.

Industry Focus: Commercial Construction (not house building)

Location: 1 Acorn Street, Providence

Phone: 401-919-5919 Email: info@bfri.org Website: http://www.bfri.org/apprenticeships

Training: 5 week, hands-on pre-apprenticeship training in basic construction skills. Training meets 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM five days a week and includes basic math classes and presentations by and field trips to different construction trades.

Certificates: OSHA 10, First Aid/CPR, Aerial Lift, Certificate of completion from the RI Apprenticeship Council

Fees: Free

Application: You must go to an orientation in order to receive an application. Check website for orientation dates which occur three times per year (usually January, May and September but check the website or call to be sure).

Entry requirements: GED or high school diploma, RI resident, between 18 and 35, able to pass a drug test. Prior experience is not required.

Other services for trainees: social services, financial education, welding classes (for graduates of the program), help with transitioning to construction apprenticeships.