Building the construction workforce Rhode Island needs — one project at a time

Why RI Needs Apprentice Utilization Programs

Rhode Island is on the Edge of a Workforce Cliff

According to RI Department of Labor and Training, we will need to fill 23,500 construction job openings by 2032.

  • Thousands of workers are exiting the industry.

  • It takes at least 3-5 years for a new worker to be fully trained in their trade.

  • To remain competitive and meet new building and infrastructure demands, our industry needs to train new workers today.

Apprentice Utilization Goals Level the Playing Field

Industry pressures can make it challenging to maintain adequate apprentice levels on any given job to meet current and future industry need.

Apprentice Utilization goals set by project owners, municipalities, and prime contractors ensure that apprentices get the on-the-job hours necessary to be tomorrow’s journeyworkers and site leaders.

Building Futures helps contractors meet those goals – supporting projects from kick-off to ribbon cutting, supplying qualified candidates when needed, and maintaining a labor management committee to forecast industry trends.

  • Industry pressures can make it challenging to maintain adequate apprentice levels on any given job to meet current and future industry need.

  • Apprentice Utilization goals set by project owners, municipalities, and prime contractors ensure that apprentices get the on-the-job hours necessary to be tomorrow’s journeyworkers and site leaders.

  • Building Futures helps contractors meet those goals – supporting projects from kick-off to ribbon cutting, supplying qualified candidates when needed, and maintaining a labor management committee to forecast industry trends.

Using Apprentices Boosts Competitive Advantage

Tradespeople who complete Registered Apprenticeship are 34% safer on jobsites.

91% of union apprentices remain employed with their companies 9 months after completing training.

Hands-on training and classroom instruction also boosts productivity and limits costly mistakes.

Learn more about the benefits of apprentice utilization in our report, Ahead of the Curve: Increasing Apprentice Utilization in Rhode Island’s Construction Industry. 

Incentives Available to Contractors for New Apprentice Hires

Building Futures’ Contractor Incentive Program is a Win-Win-Win for the Construction Industry

Contractors earn an incentive while taking on new hires prepared to contribute.

Apprentices gain stable employment and launch a new earn-while-you-learn career.

Rhode Island nets the workforce we need to meet the demands of future projects.

What if your next new hire was already prepared and supported for success on the job?

Building Futures’ comprehensive, 200-hour, pre-apprenticeship training gives participants the skills they need to succeed in their chosen trade.

  • 5 week hands-on training prepares for any trade

  • Classroom instruction

  • Trained to industry standards

  • Field tested instructors

  • Outstanding retention rates

  • Support throughout their career

Building Futures will refer qualified pre-apprenticeship candidates to contractors to help you meet Apprentice Utilization goals.

What if you could receive all the benefits of registered apprenticeship while also gaining an incentive payment?

The Incentive:
Contractors receive an incentive equal to 50% of an apprentices’ first 400 hours (excluding overtime).

Eligible Contractors:
Contractors that are signatory to a JATC or sponsor their own registered apprenticeship program.

Eligible Apprentices:
Building Futures pre-apprenticeship graduates.

Eligible Worksites:
Priority given to projects bound by an Apprentice Utilization Agreement.

Building Futures is taking the risk out of hiring a new apprentice. Take advantage while funds last.

Contact us at [email protected] or (401) 256-4582 or download the factsheet to learn more.