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. 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.

Participants who successfully complete the Building Futures program can join one of the C/COBCTC affiliated trades including:

Bricklayers­
Cement Masons
Drywall Finishers
Electricians
Glaziers
Insulators
Iron Workers
Laborers
Mechanical Services
Operating Engineers
Painters
Pipefitters
Plasterers
Plumbers
Roofers
Sheet Metal
Sprinkler Fitters
Tile Layers
After the successful conclusion of the program, participants will have a pathway into a registered apprenticeship program.

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.