KEY POINTS
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The University of Kentucky, Walsh Construction, and Goodwill Kentucky launched an eight-week pre-apprenticeship providing training, mentorship, and apprenticeship pathways to help address construction workforce shortages.
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Participants receive subcontractor job shadowing, real-world site experience, and sponsorships, enhancing hiring prospects and long-term construction career opportunities.
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According to recent AGC survey results, 92% of construction firms struggle to hire, and 45% report delays. The program offers a scalable, community-focused workforce development model for future construction projects.
Building a Skilled Workforce Through Partnership
The University of Kentucky (UK), in collaboration with Walsh Group construction and Goodwill Kentucky, launched a new eight-week Construction Industry Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The initiative, which began on August 1, 2025, provides hands-on training, job readiness skills, and exposure to construction trades, creating a direct pathway for participants into Registered Apprenticeship opportunities.
Program Details and Industry Involvement
The University of Kentucky broke ground on the 550,000-square-foot Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building in 2024. It is scheduled for completion in 2027. The building will consolidate oncology and outpatient services, expand the Markey Cancer Center, and foster advanced research and collaborative care.
A rendering of the University of Kentucky Cancer and Advanced Ambulatory Building in Lexington, Kentucky. Image: HGA Architects
Addressing an Urgent Labor Shortage
Nearly half report project delays due to labor shortages, while immigration enforcement pressures have further impacted one-third. Federal underinvestment in training and education is also a key factor behind the shortage.
Programs like the University of Kentucky’s pre-apprenticeship are designed to fill this gap and build a sustainable workforce pipeline.
Building on a Successful Pilot
The Lexington launch builds on a successful Walsh Construction pilot in Cook County, Illinois, where all pre-apprentices were hired as complete apprentices. The University of Kentucky and its partners see this program as a scalable model to strengthen the construction workforce and prepare for future industry needs.
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