The Community Services Agency of the Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO has operated the Building Futures Construction Pre-Apprenticeship Program since 2007. The program provides occupational training with industry-recognized certifications, blueprint reading, construction math, and job readiness training. Support services include case management, job counseling and follow-up support. Graduates are placed into registered apprenticeships and construction jobs. We partner with 18 apprenticeship programs in the Washington DC area, which are "earn while you learn" programs leading to nationally recognized credentials and licenses.

Eligibility: The program is open to low-income DC residents 18 years of age and older, including women and veterans. Applicants MUST be interested in a career in the building and construction industry, have a high school diploma or GED, have a valid drivers’ license or learners’ permit, be healthy to do physical labor, able to lift up to 40 lbs. and BE DRUG FREE INCLUDING MARIJUANA.

Curriculum: The curriculum, based on the AFL-CIO's Multicraft MC3, combines hands on construction skills training, with foundation math, blueprint reading, safety certifications, workers' rights and responsibilities on the job, labor history and contemporary issues. Students also learn professional communications, emotional intelligence, problem-solving and conflict-resolution. Ergonomics as well as stretch and flex are new additions to our safety modules.