This short video shows the graduation of the inaugural class of the Apprenticeship Readiness Program (ARP) in Oakridge, Tennessee.  The video provides a great example of what NABTU affiliates, their contractor partners, joint-labor management training programs, and community-based organizations are doing across the country to increase the number of qualified candidates for registered apprenticeships in the building trades.

ARPs educate young people, women, communities of color and veterans on the many career opportunities in the construction industry. These programs introduce individuals to the construction industry which will assist them in making informed career decisions and increase retention in the apprenticeship programs.  Registered Apprenticeship programs lead to great middle class careers.  NABTU currently supports more than 130 programs like this one throughout the U.S.

The video interviews Ken Rueter, the CEO of UCOR (a major contractor on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Oakridge Project) and other members of his staff as well as DOE representatives lauding the importance of programs like these to meet future skilled workforce demands.