Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

Building the Foundation for a Skilled Trades Career

  • Get exposed to basic carpentry skills and explore construction careers
  • Learn how to use power tools safely and efficiently
  • Build confidence on a jobsite
  • Develop essential skills
  • Prepare to apply for and start your apprenticeship

Our Build MI Future Adult Readiness programs are offered year-round to participants ages 18 and older. Our Build MI Future Summer Camp is offered to qualified high school students during the summer months. 

Summer campers build a project.

Build MI Future Summer Camp

Our summer camp empowers young people through the art and craft of carpentry by cultivating practical skills, fostering creativity, and promoting teamwork. By providing hands-on experience and mentorship, we strive to build confidence, problem-solving abilities, and appreciation for the building trades. Our camp will provide pathways for youth into union apprenticeships and make youth aware of careers in the trades.

Pre-Apprentices learn new construction techniques

Build MI Future Adult Readiness Program

Our adult readiness programs empower aspiring carpenters, millwrights, and floor layers with foundational skills, experience, and industry knowledge through instruction and structured hands-on learning. Graduates are equipped with the competency and confidence needed for successful entry into the union workforce and apprenticeship programs.”

 
Why is this valuable?

Why is this Valuable?

Carpenters and millwrights are building Michigan’s future — and you can be a part of our union by becoming an apprentice today. The apprenticeship school is a paid, four-year program consisting of practical, on-the-job training and state-of-the-art classroom experience.

The Benefit of a Union

As a percent of Journeyman wages
Wage Comparison: Union vs. Non-Union
These wages are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics study of Union vs. Non-Union wages across the U.S., specific to the construction/natural resources/maintenance sector (more info).
 
Why is this valuable?

What are the Benefits?

Members receive benefits that are unparalleled in today’s workplace including comprehensive medical and prescription drug benefits. In addition to a good wage and quality healthcare, your employer will contribute money to a defined benefit pension AND a defined contribution annuity.
 

Are You Ready?

Take the first step towards exploring a union skilled trades career today!