Cleveland Builds was founded in 2020 by the Construction Employers Association (CEA) and the Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council to ensure that young people learn about career opportunities in union construction and that City of Cleveland residents, people of color, and women are included in the trades’ workforce.

CEA and the Trades Council’s active involvement in Cleveland Builds ensures that the organization is industry-led and that its efforts result in participants being placed in union apprenticeships after successfully completing programming.

Cleveland Builds launched its first Apprenticeship-Readiness Program (ARP) in August 2021. With ongoing support from the industry, and investment from the City of Cleveland and others, Cleveland Builds now offers its ARP each month (except July and December). The organization also promotes career opportunities in the trades and provides placement services and ongoing support to those qualified to begin careers in union apprenticeships.