Franklin County approves $1.2M Trades Academy with Columbus Urban League to train residents for high-demand construction jobs

The Franklin County Board of Commissioners approved a $1.2 million subaward to the Columbus Urban League to launch the Franklin County Trades Academy, a workforce training program intended to prepare residents for high-demand construction and skilled-trade careers.

Bart Logan, assistant director of Job and Family Services, said the program will combine seven weeks of technical training at Columbus State with professional development, supportive services and employer partnerships aimed at placing graduates into apprenticeships and fast-tracking them toward journeyman status. Program leaders told commissioners the goal is to enroll at least 85 residents in year one and to achieve an 80% graduation and placement rate.

Stephanie Hightower, president of the Columbus Urban League, described the partnership with Columbus State and emphasized supportive services to address barriers such as childcare and transportation. David Cofer of Columbus State said the curriculum and employer alignment are designed to match specific trade needs so trainees move directly into positions with a path to journeyman certification.

Commissioners questioned how the program will ensure participants transition from pre-apprenticeship training into paid apprenticeship and journeyman tracks, and asked about outreach to veterans, women and New Americans. Program representatives said they will target recruitment to those groups and work directly with trade employers to secure placement and apprenticeship pipelines.

The board approved Resolution 36325; Commissioner Boyce recorded an abstention on this and a small number of other economic/resourcing items earlier in the meeting, per the record on related items.