Construction Trades Pre-Apprentice: Work That Impacts Housing Program (WTIHP)

The City of Des Moines, in partnership with the Polk County Housing Trust Fund, invites applications for the Work That Impacts Housing Program, a four-month pre-apprenticeship initiative designed to jump-start careers in residential and commercial construction trades (electrical or carpentry). The program is certified as a qualified pre-apprenticeship program by the State of Iowa. This program combines multi-craft technical training, on-site residential repair, and commercial contractor mentorship, preparing participants for entry into a union apprenticeship. This program is led by the Work That Impacts Housing Coalition, which comprises over 10 community organizations and industry entities. 

Program Structure

• Phase 1: Multi-Core Craft Foundation (5 weeks) – employedby andunder the supervision of City of Des Moines staff
  1. Curriculum (3 days each week): Industry-recognized Multi-Core Craft Curriculum facilitated by Forest Avenue Outreach.
  2. On-Site Training (2 days each week): Work alongside City crews on interior repairs to owner-occupied homes through the Improving Our Neighborhoods (ION) Program.
  3. The pre-apprentices/interns will be hired by the City of Des Moines.
• Phase 2: Union Contractor Placement (3 months) – independent of the City of Des Moines
  1. Assignment: Each pre-apprentice joins (hired on to) either electrician or carpentry union contractor, such as Baker Electric, Tri-City Electric, and others.
  2. Training: Hands-on commercial site work and technical skill development.
  3. Outcome: Graduates are guided through the process to potentially obtain a full apprenticeship position with their assigned contractor.

• Graduation from High School or possession of a GED.
• No prior construction experience required.

• Possession of a valid Iowa driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility. 
• Candidates for positions in this class must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and drug screen. 

• Provides manual assistance to semi-skilled and skilled workers.
• Uses assorted hand tools including saw, hammer, ax, and chisel in maintenance activities.
• Makes minor repairs.
• Loads and unloads materials, equipment, and supplies.
• Assists with installation and repairs of conduits, high and low voltage systems, lighting circuits, panels, regulators, emergency power generators, transformers, relays, circuit breakers, switch boxes, and related electrical fixtures and equipment.
• Helps to wire buildings and to install and repair electrical receptacles and breaker switches.
• Assists with inspections of wiring and appliances for safe condition and need for replacement, using electrical test equipment to determine condition of electrical operating equipment.
• Assists with repairs and maintenance of buildings and structures; installs, repairs and maintains window frames, door frames, doors, screens, interior framing, drywall, cabinetry, flooring and finish work.
• Performs related work as required.