Building Futures | Apprenticeship RI

What Building Futures | Apprenticeship RI does

Building Futures is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit workforce development organization founded in 2007 and headquartered at 1 Acorn Street in Providence, Rhode Island. It operates as the state's designated Apprenticeship Hub in partnership with the RI Department of Labor and Training, delivering the only State of Rhode Island-certified construction pre-apprenticeship program (BF200), a 5-week training combining hands-on construction learning with classroom instruction that prepares participants for union registered apprenticeships. The organization has grown into a multi-program platform including Building Futures Inside (incarcerated individuals at ACI), Building Green Futures (young adults 18-24), Women Are Building RI (launching 2026), and Apprenticeship Rhode Island, which has helped nearly 200 employers expand Registered Apprenticeship into 38 new occupations across healthcare, manufacturing, marine trades, and education.

The underlying technology is conventional workforce training delivery—industry-standard curricula (Multi-Craft Core Curriculum, OSHA 10, CPR/AED/First Aid), state- and union-approved certification pathways, and an Apprentice Utilization Program reporting portal—rather than a proprietary software product. Building Futures' distinct value lies in its certified pipeline role, its contractor incentive mechanism (50% reimbursement for the first 400 hours of new apprentice hours), and its integration with 16+ building trades unions plus a roster of state, municipal, and foundation partners.

The revenue model is grant- and donation-funded, characteristic of a 501(c)(3). Major capital sources include a US Department of Labor Apprenticeship Building America grant of more than $3.7 million over four years (announced July 2024), a $1.5 million Brown University workforce grant (January 2026), Real Jobs RI state funding, RI Foundation seed support, and additional backing from the Papitto Opportunity Connection and PVD Equity Fund. Tax-deductible donations from individuals and businesses supplement grant revenue. All participant and employer services are provided at no cost; the Contractor Incentive Program makes payments to contractors rather than charging them.

Name

Building Futures | Apprenticeship RI

Legal name

Building Futures

Website

https://bfri.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Building Futures is a Rhode Island 501(c)(3) workforce nonprofit operating the state-certified BF200 construction pre-apprenticeship program, the Apprenticeship Rhode Island employer hub, and specialized tracks for justice-involved individuals, young adults, and women entering union registered apprenticeships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development / Apprenticeship Training Services

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710)

SIC

Services-Employment Agencies (7361), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Workforce Development, Employment Readiness & Job Placement (BPADAKAE), Community College / Training Provider Workforce Pathways Programs (EDAAAOAO), Workforce & Job-Seeker Services (Community-Based) (EDAAAFAM), Job Placement, Matching & Career Navigation Services (EDAAAOAL), Internship-to-Apprenticeship & Early Talent Pipeline Programs (EDAMAKAL)

Keywords

• Construction pre-apprenticeship
• Registered apprenticeship programs
• Workforce development services
• Apprentice utilization program
• Construction trades training

Headquarters

HQ city

Providence

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Foundation and Government Grants: Primary revenue source from federal grants (US DOL Apprenticeship Building America grant of $3.7M+), state funding (Real Jobs RI), and foundation support (Brown University $1.5M grant, RI Foundation seed investment, Papitto Opportunity Connection). Building Futures is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
2. Donations: Tax-deductible charitable contributions from individuals, businesses, and organizations supporting workforce development mission. Website accepts online donations and mail-in contributions.
3. Contractor Incentive Program: Contractors receive incentive payments equal to 50% of apprentices' first 400 hours (excluding overtime) when hiring Building Futures pre-apprenticeship graduates. Funded through grants to support workforce development.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Building Futures is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that prepares Rhode Islanders for registered apprenticeship careers, primarily in construction trades, through multi-week pre-apprenticeship training programs. It also serves as the state Apprenticeship Hub in partnership with RIDLT, expanding Registered Apprenticeship to new industries (healthcare, education, manufacturing, marine trades) and providing no-cost technical assistance to employers. Core programs include BF200 (construction pre-apprenticeship), Building Futures Inside (incarcerated individuals), Building Green Futures (young adults), Women Are Building RI, and the Apprentice Utilization Program offering contractor incentives.

Product overview

Building Futures is a workforce development nonprofit organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs centered around Registered Apprenticeship. The core offerings include BF200 (5-week construction pre-apprenticeship), the Apprentice Utilization Program (contractor support), and Apprenticeship Rhode Island (industry expansion initiative). Specialized programs include Building Futures Inside (incarcerated individuals), Building Green Futures (youth 18-24), and Women Are Building RI (women in trades). Support services include New Apprentice Orientation and the We've Got Your Back recovery program. Together, these programs create pathways from pre-apprenticeship training through registered apprenticeship placement and ongoing career support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• BF200 Construction Pre-Apprenticeship A nationally recognized 5-week comprehensive pre-apprenticeship training program providing hands-on learning and classroom instruction to prepare diverse adults for successful employment as registered apprentices in the building trades. Participants earn certifications including Aerial Lift, OSHA 10, Adult CPR/AED/First Aid, and Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3). The only construction pre-apprenticeship program certified by the State of Rhode Island.
• Apprentice Utilization Program (AUP) A workforce development program helping contractors meet apprenticeship utilization goals on construction projects. Provides qualified pre-apprenticeship candidates to contractors and includes a Contractor Incentive Program offering 50% reimbursement for an apprentice's first 400 hours.
• Apprenticeship Rhode Island (ARI) A partnership with the RI Department of Labor and Training to maximize the effective use of Registered Apprenticeship in new industries and occupations. Provides no-cost technical assistance to design, register, and implement Registered Apprenticeship Programs for employers in healthcare, manufacturing, marine trades, and other sectors. Has helped nearly 200 employers expand to 38+ new occupations.
• Building Futures Inside (BFI) A 3-phase construction training program for incarcerated individuals at the Adult Correctional Facility (ACI) minimum-security facility. Provides pre-release workforce training and education, post-release transition into BF200, and post-graduation placement in Registered Apprenticeships with union partners.
• Building Green Futures (BGF) An apprenticeship readiness program for young adults aged 18-24. A 5-week program providing career readiness, physical training, site work, tools and safety skills, and career exploration. Participants plant trees across Rhode Island cities and help with stormwater management before transitioning to the construction pre-apprenticeship program.
• Women Are Building RI An exploratory apprenticeship readiness program designed specifically for women to encourage more women to consider construction trades as a career path. Includes support networks and mentorship opportunities for women working in nontraditional fields.

Quantifiable outcome

• 91% of union apprentices remain employed 9 months after completing training
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and major.

• RI Department of Labor and Training (RIDLT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to maximize effective use of Registered Apprenticeship in Rhode Island; RIDLT serves as the designated State Apprenticeship Agency overseeing compliance and quality reviews; Building Futures serves as the state Apprenticeship Hub
• RI Building and Construction Trades CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCore partner since 2007; pre-apprenticeship graduates enter union apprenticeships with 16+ member trades; joint initiatives include Building Futures Inside and We've Got Your Back recovery program
• RI Department of Corrections (RIDOC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Building Futures Inside program providing construction training at ACI minimum-security facility for incarcerated individuals
• RI Institute for Labor Studies and Research (ILSR)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for K-12 Education Registered Apprenticeship; administering subrecipient funds for teacher apprenticeship programs in collaboration with RI AFL-CIO, RIFTHP, and NEARI
• RI Department of Education (RIDE)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeveloping first teacher apprenticeship programs in Rhode Island; expanding RA to K-12 principals; addressing educator workforce challenges
• RI AFL-CIOmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for K-12 teacher apprenticeship programs through ILSR; labor movement collaboration for workforce development
• Finishing Trades Institute of Southern New England (IUPAT DC 11)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTraining partner for clean energy certifications; apprentices gaining EV Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) and Architectural Glass and Metal Technician (AGMT) certifications
• North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund (NASRCC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTraining partner providing maritime and offshore training for apprentices working on offshore wind projects (Vineyard Wind)
• IBEW Local 99 JATCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint Apprenticeship Training Committee providing Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) certification for apprentices
• Ironworkers Local 37coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnion partner providing apprenticeship pathways and advisory committee member for Building Futures Inside program
• LiUNAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaborers International Union of North America General Secretary-Treasurer Michael Sabitoni serves as RIBCTC President supporting Building Futures initiatives
• City of ProvidencemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for public sector Registered Apprenticeship; Providence Mayor Smiley supported PVD Equity Fund announcement for equity initiatives
• United Way of Rhode IslandmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerManages PVD Equity Fund supporting Building Futures Inside and equity initiatives; hosted grant announcement with Mayor Smiley

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Opportunity@Work: National nonprofit using employer coalitions and technology to expand access to middle-skill careers for STARs (workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes). Comparable in mission to translate non-degree talent into apprenticeship and skilled-career pathways.

Direct peers

• Per Scholas: National nonprofit providing tuition-free technical skills training to individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, with employer-driven pathways. Comparable to Building Futures' mission of creating equitable workforce pathways into skilled occupations.
• Year Up: National workforce development nonprofit providing training and career pathways for young adults from underserved communities into in-demand careers. Highly comparable to Building Futures in mission, target population, and employer-driven apprenticeship/internship model.
• Helmets to Hardhats: National nonprofit connecting transitioning military members, veterans, and National Guard/reservists to registered apprenticeship programs in the construction industry. Directly comparable in construction-apprenticeship focus and union-trade partnership model.
• Homeboy Industries: Los Angeles-based nonprofit providing workforce training and reentry support to formerly incarcerated and gang-involved individuals. Highly comparable to Building Futures Inside in serving justice-involved populations through vocational training.
• Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO): National nonprofit providing employment services and reentry support to people returning home from incarceration. Directly comparable to Building Futures' Building Futures Inside in workforce reentry focus and structured training-to-placement model.
• Tradeswomen, Inc. National nonprofit dedicated to increasing the number of women in skilled trades through training, advocacy, and support networks. Directly comparable to Building Futures' Women Are Building RI initiative targeting female participation in construction trades.
• NPower: National nonprofit providing technology-focused workforce development to veterans and young adults from underserved communities. Comparable nonprofit training model targeting underrepresented populations with employer-driven job placement.

Regional players

• Build RI: Rhode Island construction industry advocacy organization (whose ED & GC Gregory Mancini also chairs Building Futures' Board). Operates in the same RI construction workforce ecosystem and shares overlapping industry policy goals with Building Futures.
• Skills for Rhode Island's Future: Providence-based nonprofit connecting Rhode Island job seekers with employment and training opportunities through employer partnerships. Strong regional peer in the same RI workforce development ecosystem, though broader across industries.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/goapprenticeRI
• Facebookfacebook.com/BuildingFuturesRI
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/buildingfutures
• Instagraminstagram.com/buildingfuturesrhodeisland

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Building Futures | Apprenticeship RI