Career and life skills training
The Missouri Works Initiative’s Apprentice Ready programs introduce, train, and connect people to a high-paying, rewarding career in the construction trades. This 6-week construction pre-apprenticeship creates an industry-recognized entry point into the trades for traditionally underrepresented groups, creating a more skilled, equitable, and diverse workforce.
Our Training Model
Our program is for anyone interested in construction.
No previous skills or experience is required!
Benefits
Requirements
Earned Credentials
Application Process
Apply online
Take Pre-Assessment (for St. Louis Program Only)
Interview
If selected, classes begin, and so does the start of your trade career!
“I like that it teaches you about all of the trades. You get to visit most union halls and talk with apprentice instructors, try a little dry wall, brick laying, virtual welding – it’s really hands on.”
James Riley, Kansas City graduate
Did you know?
There are more than 15 different trades in the construction industry?
Through our program, you’ll visit the local training centers and learn alongside industry professionals in the following trades:
Locations and 2025 Class dates
Hover over each location to see the dates offered.
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1
St. Louis
(Known as Building Union Diversity- BUD STL)
- Jan. 27 – Feb. 28, 2025
- Apr. 28 – May 30, 2025
- July 28 – Aug. 29, 2025
- Sept. 29 – Oct. 31, 2025
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Springfield
- Jan. 27 – Feb. 28, 2025
- Apr. 21 –May 23, 2025
- July 21 – Aug. 23, 2025
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Kansas City
- Feb. 3 – Mar. 7, 2025
- Apr. 7 – May 9, 2025
- June 9 – July 11, 2025
- Aug. 11 –Sept. 12, 2025
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Mid-Missouri
(Columbia and Jefferson City)
- Feb. 3 – Mar. 6, 2025
- May 5 – June 5, 2025
- Sept. 8 – Oct. 9, 2025
Hear from our Grads!
“My life now is so much better than the life I was living. The pay is great, I have job security, and everyday is a new learning experience.”
Ciji, Springfiled Graduate and Participant Mentor
“The program has changed my life tremendously. The door this program opened for me has not only helped me financially, but mentally as well. I now have the career that is right for me.”
Kaylah Doss, St. Louis Graduate
What we teach in the program
Our curriculum was created by North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), involving skilled tradespeople from all construction trades to teach comprehensive information relevant to any apprenticeship program.
120 hours of coursework covering:
Interested in launching your new career in the trades?
MWI’s construction programs receive federal funding of $520,000, constituting nearly 39 percent of the program operating budget for FY 2024. Non-federal sources finance the remaining 61 percent.
