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Build It KC CDL program starts May 2026

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BUILD IT KC

BUILD IT KC

 

Build IT KC is SWD’s flagship pre-apprenticeship workforce program, designed to prepare individuals for success in the construction industry.

Program Overview

  • Duration: 120–140 hours of hands-on training
  • Alignment: Structured with Allied Trades Apprenticeship standards
  • Location: Focused on development projects across Jackson County, especially the Kansas City metro
  • Instruction: Delivered by seasoned, accredited instructors using innovative teaching methods

What We Offer

  • Industry-recognized trades training certificates
  • Direct pathways to employment opportunities in the trillion-dollar construction industry
  • Practical experience through hands-on On the Job Training 
  • Aligned Apprenticeship programs for career 
  • A supportive environment guided by our core values:
          Integrity Community Empowerment

Proven Impact

  • 350+ successful graduates from Build It KC
  • Over 5,000 people are employed through our workforce initiatives.

Build It KC is more than training — it’s a launchpad for long-term careers in construction and trades, empowering individuals while strengthening communities

AI LAB FOR WORKFORCE INTEGRATION

Empowering the Future of Work

 

The AI Lab for Workforce Integration is an introductory course designed to help new learners explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the construction and manufacturing industries. This beginner‑level class provides a supportive, hands‑on learning environment where students gain foundational skills in digital tools, basic automation concepts, and real‑world applications of AI on job sites and production floors.

Through guided activities, demonstrations, and simple project‑based learning, participants build confidence using technology while discovering how AI improves safety, efficiency, and problem‑solving in the skilled trades. No prior technical experience is required. By the end of the course, students will understand key industry trends, develop essential digital literacy, and be prepared to continue into more advanced workforce training programs.

AI LAB FOR EQUITABLE ACCESS IN THE COMMUNITY

Empowering the Future of Community Development

 

 INTENTIONAL PROGRAM

Learners step into an equity‑centered future workforce with a confident, community‑rooted collective voice as they gain foundational AI skills. They then discover how equitable technology practices support communities in growing together and expanding shared opportunities.

 They also discover how equitable technology practices support communities in growing together and expanding shared opportunities.

• personal empowerment

• collective empowerment

• shaping equitable futures

CDL A PROGRAM

WEEK 1

WEEK 1

WEEK 1

INTRODUCTION TO CDL DRIVING

Students will begin learning the basics of commercial truck driving in an classroom group setting. Topics covered will be Vehicle Systems, Pre-Trip Inspection, Initial Road Orientation. Students must complete chapters 1-16 of learning as required by the FMCSA.

EXAMS:

  • Theory Quiz (Pass: 80%)
  • Driving Assessment (Pass: 80%)

WEEK 2

WEEK 1

WEEK 1

ADVANCED DRIVING TECHNIQUES

Students will cover topics such as Defensive Driving, Road Safety & Regulations. Students will complete chapters 17-24 of classroom teaching and application practice. Qualified students will be eligible to begin on-road driving in a closed course environment.

EXAMS:

  • Theory Exam (Pass: 80%)
  • Driving Assessment (Pass: 80%

WEEK 3

WEEK 1

WEEK 3

 

RANGE SKILLS

Topics covered this week include Backing, Parking, Coupling/Uncoupling Trailers. Students will complete chapters 25-27 of classroom teaching and application practice. and closed course training, students will be eligible to begin on-road driving training.

EXAM:  Course Quiz (Pass: 80%

WEEK 4

WEEK 4

WEEK 3

ON-ROAD SKILLS

Students will be covering the technical aspects of driving in various terrains – Urban, Rural, and Highway Driving.

EXAM:  Final Exam (Pass: 80%)

WEEK 5

WEEK 4

WEEK 5

COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW & FINAL SKILLS PRACTICE

The course will include Mock Exams (Pre-Trip, Range, Road). Students will learn CDL Testing Prep and Certification Readiness.

EXAM:  Course Quiz (Pass: 80%)

WEEK 6

WEEK 4

WEEK 5

 

EMPLOYER ACCESS 

Join Our Movement

INTENT & SUCCESS

At Strategic Workforce Development Inc., we are guided by core values that shape our work. Integrity, community, and empowerment are central to everything we do.

Around 350 successful Build It KC graduates, over 5000 people employed

In a Nutshell

Our Services

JOB FAIRS 

1. We host Annual Job fairs. Our job fair invites fair hiring employers.

2. Pre-Apprenticeship Trades Workforce Readiness Training Program

3. Jobs Club

Build It KC program

Our upcoming 

Build It KC our Flagship Training program for  Turner Construction and  LECET Laborers Union will begin on Feb 2026

SWD AWARDS

SWD AWARDS

Social Changemaker Aaron Levitt Foundation Award 2019

Determined Inc award 2019

1 Million Cups 2022

Shumaker Foundation Social Justice 2022 -2024 

AmeriCorps 2025

CDBG Economic Success 2024 - 2025 


Advocating for Workforce Development

Get Involved with Strategic Workforce Development Inc. for Lasting Change

Workforce development is essential for a healthy economy and community. At Strategic Workforce Development Inc., we advocate for policies and programs that support job training, education, and employment opportunities. We work tirelessly to ensure that everyone has access to the resources they need to succeed. By raising awareness and collaborating with stakeholders, we aim to create systemic change that benefits all. Stand with us as we champion workforce development initiatives.

Supporting Local Entrepreneurs

Partner with Strategic Workforce Development Inc. to Foster Innovation

Entrepreneurship drives innovation and economic growth. Strategic Workforce Development Inc. is committed to supporting local entrepreneurs through workshops, mentorship programs, and access to resources. We believe that by nurturing aspiring businesses, we can create a vibrant and sustainable economy. Our goal is to empower aspiring business owners with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. Join us in cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Our Partners

Reviews

Connect With Us

A career is the long‑term journey of your professional life

350 Graduates

The industry presents a career opportunity within sector valued at over one trillion dollars.

Brian Hall

Our 2021 graduate, Asst Foreman to Supervisor 

Will Sewell

Our 2025 graduate is an Iron Worker with Local 10 

Maurice Johnson

Our 2019 graduate with the Carpenters Union

Miguel Carlock

Our 2025 graduate with the Local 266

Derrick Hollins

Our 2020 graduate secured multiple jobs

Community Alliance Partners

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