top of page

Tools up

Building Our Community With the Community

Equipping Chicago’s youth and young adults with construction skills, mental wellness support, and holistic resources for lasting careers, at no cost, with a paycheck from day one.

96%

Completion Rate

100%

Earned Industry Certifications

232

Graduates / Students Trained

$0

Cost to Participants

Abstract White Waves

What we do

More than job training

We build whole people - with technical skills, industry credentials, mental wellness support, and a clear pathway forward.

002-certificate.png

Hands-on Training

Hands-On Training Real job site experience across multiple construction trades - carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and more. You learn by doing.

003-mental-health.png

Whole-Person Support Mental

Whole-Person Support Mental wellness check-ins, mentorship, and soft skills development are built into every program. Because a strong care starts with a strong foundation.

001-community.png

Community Revitalization

Speak more to working on community projects during hands on job training

About Us
Tools Up - Programs

Programs

Find Your Path

Whether you're 16 or 40, TUF has a program built for where you are right now.

Ages 16–18

TUF Teens

A paid introduction to construction trades for teens in Chicago neighborhoods. Build skills, earn a stipend, and get a head start on your future.

Learn More

Ages 18+

Pave the Way Up

Our 11-week paid pre-apprenticeship program. Free to join, certified upon completion, and designed to launch you directly into a DOL Registered Apprenticeship.

Learn More

What we do

How Tools Up Do It?

Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.

How TUF Do It.png

What we do

How Tools Up Do It?

Turning knowledge into action through hands-on training and strong mentorship

Tools Up - What We do
About Us

What we do

How Tools Up Do It?

Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles.

Tools Curve - How We Do It.png

Partners

Backed by Chicago's Leading Employers & Funders

Become Partner
BERGLUND-Construction-VECTOR-e1538156797620.jpeg
clayco.jfif
cook-county.png
DCEO Logo.jpeg
community trust.png
Metro United Way.jfif
CCC-Dawson.jpeg
ILW Logo.png
Participant Voices

Participant Voices

Real people. Real outcomes

The staff put me at ease from day one. The program is free, you get paid to learn, and everything about it surprised me — from the field trips to the hands-on work. Overall, it was a great experience.

Brandi

TUF Teens Graduate

This was hands down the best decision I made. I was trying to get into an apprenticeship for years, and it was a struggle. TUF put me on the right path to starting the career I want.

Daniel B.

Pave the Way Up Participant

I'm just happy that I was able to be a top student and prove to myself, my kids, and you, for giving me the opportunity to take and complete this course.

Tianca R.

Pave the Way Up Program Participant

bottom of page