Building Union Diversity (BUD) program logo

Building Union Diversity (BUD) St. Louis

The Building Union Diversity (BUD) program started in 2014 and has since built a successful track record of connecting St. Louis metropolitan residents with the growing opportunities for living wage employment in construction. BUD is also helping to address the growing need in the construction industry for a skilled and more inclusive workforce.

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HIGH GRADUATION RATE
92%

of those that begin the BUD Program complete their training and graduate.

IMPROVING INDUSTRY DIVERSITY

In an industry where only 6% of the workforce is comprised of minorities and women…

26.5%

of BUD graduates are women.

79.2%

of BUD graduates are minority.

About BUD

The Building Union Diversity (BUD) program is a six-week union construction pre-apprenticeship program, offered at no charge to selected individuals who meet the admission requirements. Recognized as a comprehensive apprenticeship readiness program (ARP) by North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU), BUD offers enrollees a comprehensive introduction to construction employment by using NABTU’s nationally recognized Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) providing relevant national skills certification training, with a particular focus on job safety. (To learn more about NABTU’s MC3 curriculum, please visit https://nabtu.org/apprenticeship-and-training/apprenticeship-readiness-programs/.) During the program, participants will also have the opportunity to visit and engage in hands-on learning at several apprenticeship training schools.

At the program’s inception, the St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Council (BCTC) assembled a team of more than eight cooperating joint labor-management construction training programs (known as JATCs) to implement this pre-apprenticeship training program. Once participants have successfully completed training, they are enrolled in the BCTC employer/contractor database. The database serves as a pool of pre-qualified workers at various skills levels and proficiencies and is used by the construction owners and others in supporting the workforce inclusion goals that they are expected to meet and/or exceed, particularly in public-supported construction projects.

Through its collaboration with contractors, Workforce Development Boards (WDBs), soft skills providers and other stakeholders, BUD is able to provide job and personal support services that offer participants and placed graduates the best possible chance for success. BUD also tracks graduate success.

The construction training team includes, among others:

  • Bricklayers Local 1 Joint Apprenticeship Training Program
  • St. Louis-Kansas City Carpenters Regional Council Apprenticeship Program
  • Construction Craft Laborers Joint Apprenticeship Training Program
  • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1 Joint Apprenticeship Training Program
  • Iron Workers Joint Apprenticeship Training Program
  • Operating Engineers Local 513 Joint Apprenticeship Training Program
  • Plumbers & Pipefitters Joint Apprenticeship Training Program
  • Sheet Metal Workers Joint Apprenticeship Training Program
  • Cement Masons Joint Apprenticeship Training Program
  • Floor Layers Joint Apprenticeship Program

Collectively, this group of U.S. Department of Labor (US-DOL) approved apprenticeship training programs works with area Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) and non-profit job training organizations serving the un- and under-employed as well as constituencies currently underrepresented in the construction industry to identify candidates interested in pursuing careers in the construction. Funding and support come from the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD), United Way of Greater St. Louis, the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, and North America’s Building Trades Unions (NABTU).

BUD) program Building Union Diversity in wood shop

Participant Requirements

BUD participants must meet the following requirements:

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Eligible to work in the United States
  • Meet Military Selective Service Requirements (if applicable)

Preferred Credentials

We are looking for candidates that can meet these credentials:

  • WorkKeys Applied Math: Level 5
  • WorkKeys Workplace Documents: Level 5
  • Pass a drug test
  • High School Diploma or equivalent

Program Benefits

In addition to the free construction training, BUD also offers supportive services to participants including:

  • Transportation to the training centers from a central location.
  • Bus passes
  • $100 weekly stipend during the training.
  • Safety equipment (boots, helmet, glasses)
  • Work clothing (pants and shirts)
  • A $150 tool allowance once indentured to an apprentice program
  • Discretionary support funding through the United Way.
  • Access to mentoring after the program from experienced construction trade members
  • Short-term transportation assistance after graduation

Resources

Construction Programs Offered at Area High Schools:

Building Union Diversity (BUD) program participants on dock

Opportunities for Partners

Social service agencies are encouraged to refer their clients to apply for the BUD program. Currently, organizations such as the Fathers Support Center or the Center for Women in Transition have referred their clients to BUD and assisted in ensuring that their clients are successful in completing the program and getting a job.

For more information, please contact:

Aurora Bihler

Building Union Diversity (BUD) STL Program Coordinator

Aurora.Bihler@moaflcio.org

314-312-3038

Aurora Bihler is a journeyman Ironworker and serves as an officer on the Examining Committee of Local 396. Aurora has been involved in many labor organizations such as St. Louis City Labor Legislative Club, the Missouri Democratic Party Labor Caucus, and Missouri Women in Trades. In her spare time, she enjoys playing pinball, vermiculture, and gardening.

Education –
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Sculpture – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Construction Industry Credentials –
Journeyman Ironworker
Welding Certifications: SMAW-A1; A7-n; FCAW-S B1a, B6a, C2
Safety credentials: OSHA Sub-Part R, OSHA 10, 30, & 510; Scaffold Erector/Dismantler, Crane Signaling/Rigging
Pat Dolan

BUD STL Program Facilitator

Credentials: DOL Approved United Association of Pipe Trades Apprenticeship Program and 47-year member of Sprinklerfitters Local 268, having served as an apprenticeship coordinator with the Missouri AFL-CIO and a BUD Facilitator since the program’s inception in 2014

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested participants can apply by filling out the online application below.

BUD PROGRAM ONLINE APPLICATION:

  • example@example.com
  • Drop files here or
    Max. file size: 25 MB.
      Ex: Resume, other documentation of experience, etc.
    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    Building Successful Careers

    • Previously Unemployed

      40% of participants were unemployed before enrolling in the BUD Program

    • Graduation Rate

      91% of individuals that enrolled in the BUD Program completed the program and graduated.

    • Employed After Graduation

      82% of program participants have secured a job in the construction trades within 6 months of completing the program.

    • Minority Participants

      80% of those that enrolled in the BUD Program were minorities.

    • Women Participants

      24% of those that enrolled in the BUD Program were women.

    • Veteran Participants

      6% of those that enrolled in the BUD Program were veterans.

    *Stats as of July 2020

    Building Union Diversity (BUD) participants smiling

    Hear from the Graduates

    “The BUD Program changed my life. It has put me in a great position career-wise. I highly recommend this program.”

    “When I started it I was struggling to find any work and I was a homeless single mother. Today I have a career and make good money and am able to provide very well for my family. None of that would have happened without BUD.”

    “This program changed my life for the better. I reach out to young teens to explore this
    program because it is an excellent opportunity to better yourself with a career and an overall
    experience with people who care about your future well being.”

    Building Union Diversity (BUD) graduates with diplomas

    Call Us

    573-634-2115

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    Find Us

    131 E High St
    Ste 100
    Jefferson City, MO 65101