September was National Workforce Development Month.
As you know, Tools Up Foundation is all about empowering and preparing minority youth and young adults to succeed in the construction industry. Our programs are designed to provide the education, hands-on training, and support needed for participants to position themselves to get paid for their expertise, enjoy lucrative construction careers, and help to build and revitalize communities.
National Workforce Development Month is celebrated in September to recognize the important role of workforce development professionals and the value of training and education in the job market. Through our demonstrated commitment to help program participants discover their construction path and build a career foundation, Tools Up is actively contributing to and helping to drive workforce development in Chicago.
Beyond serving as a driver for workforce development and community revitalization, our focus is on ensuring that our program participants are equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in their careers. We’ve discovered that key measures of success in the construction industry include:
EDUCATION - We help teens and young adults discover the demand for skilled construction workers, associated compensation and career benefits. We help them understand the job roles that are available including entry level field and project manager roles; requirements; equipment and tools of the trade.
TRAINING - Our comprehensive training programs cover practical skills, worksite safety (fall protection and hazards), construction processes, equipment operation, building codes, first aid and more.
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT - Not only do we offer technical training, Tools Up Foundation also provides soft skills development like communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution.
ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITIES - We expose our program participants to job and career opportunities through guest presentations, experiential learning, and facilitating connection and relationship building with industry professionals. We also offer youth and young adults exposure to apply knowledge in actual construction projects being managed by us or our partners.
During WorkForce Development Month, Tools Up Foundation was proud to celebrate the accomplishments of participants in our TUF Teens and recently launched, Build-Up programs. Graduates of Build Up are already receiving job interview opportunities having just recently completed our programming.
Looking ahead, we will remain dedicated to continuing our work to prepare the next generation of construction industry leaders to make their mark in the workforce, in our communities, and ultimately in the world. We invite you to share the tools for success we have outlined with your network and to stay engaged with Tools Up Foundation! Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media.
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