The Missouri Works Initiative’s Apprentice Ready programs introduce, train, and connect people to a high-paying, rewarding career in the construction trades. This 5 to 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
Classroom training, hands-on learning, and trade placement advising

Requirements

Earned Credentials

  • Multi-Craft Core (MC3) Curriculum Credential (Recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor & MO Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
  • MWI Pre-Apprenticeship Graduation Certificate (An industry-recognized credential)
  • OSHA 10 Card
  • First Aid/CPR Card

Application Process

Step 1

Apply online

Step 2

Take Workkeys Pre Assessment (for STL BUD program only)

Step 3

Interview

Step 4

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

James Riley

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:

  • Boilermakers
  • Bricklayers
  • Carpenters
  • Cement Masons
  • Electricians
  • Elevator Constructors
  • Glaziers
  • Insulators
  • Ironworkers
  • Laborers
  • Operating Engineers
  • Painters
  • Pipefitters
  • Plumbers
  • Roofers
  • Sheet Metal Workers
  • Sprinkler Fitters

Locations and 2024 Class dates

Hover over each location to see the dates offered.

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Map of Missouri Works locations in the state of Missouri
1
St. Louis

(Known as Building Union Diversity- BUD STL)

  • Feb.19 – Mar. 29, 2024
  • Apr. 29 – June 7, 2024
  • July 8 – Aug. 16, 2024
  • Sept. 16 – Oct. 25, 2024
2
Springfield
  • Jan. 29 – Mar. 1, 2024
  • Apr. 22 –May 24, 2024
  • July 22 – Aug. 23, 2024
  • Sept. 23 –Oct. 25, 2024
3
Kansas City
  • Feb. 12 – Mar. 15, 2024
  • Apr. 15 – May 17, 2024
  • June 17 – July 19, 2024
  • Aug. 19 –Sept. 20, 2024
4
Mid-Missouri

(Columbia and Jefferson City)

  • Mar. 11 – Apr. 11, 2024
  • May 13 – June 13, 2024
  • July 22 – Aug. 22, 2024
  • Sept. 30 – Oct. 31, 2024

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

Ciji

“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

Kaylah Doss

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:

  • Construction Math (tutoring available)
  • Tool Recognition
  • Blueprint Reading
  • Health & Safety Training (OSHA-10 and First Aid/CPR)
  • Heritage of the American Worker
  • Diversity Awareness
  • Financial Literacy/ Smart Money Management

Interested in launching your new career in the trades?