APPLY · HIRE · GIVE · VOLUNTEER
Ready to Build
Something Better?
There's a place for you in this mission — whether you're starting your career, building your business, investing in your community, or lending your expertise to the people who need it most.
Not sure where you fit? Contact us → and we'll point you in the right direction.
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FOR PARTICIPANTS
Start Your Application.
Change Your Life.
SWD exists for you. If nobody has told you that yet — we're telling you now. Our programs are free, our staff is real, and every person on our team is here because they believe in what happens when someone gets a genuine shot. This is yours.
You Qualify. Here's How We Know.
Re-Entry Individuals
Your conviction does not disqualify you. SWD was built for second chances.
Veterans
You've already proven you can show up and do the work. We'll help you translate that into a civilian career.
Youth (18+)
Starting young is an advantage. SWD will give you a head start your peers won't have.
Women in Trades
Construction needs more women. SWD's programs open every door.
Dislocated Workers
If your job disappeared, SWD helps you find something better than what you had.
Mid-Skilled Workers
You already have construction experience. SWD turns that into a credential.
Disadvantaged Populations
Economic hardship is not a disqualifier. It's exactly who we serve.
Digitally Behind
Never used AI? Never had a computer? Our ConstructAI Lab starts from zero.
Hard Requirements
- Age 18 or older
- Greater Kansas City metro area resident (for KC programs) or Columbus, OH area (for Ohio programs)
- Willingness to commit to the full program duration
- No construction experience required for Pre-Apprenticeship
Choose Your Starting Point.
Pick the program that matches where you are right now. If you're not sure, choose "Not Sure" on the application form and we'll help you decide.
Build It KC Pre-Apprenticeship
The 4-week, no-experience-required entry program. Get certified, get placed, get started.
Duration: 4 Weeks | Cost: Free | In-Person, Kansas City
Construction Entrepreneur Course
Launch your contracting business — from legal setup to estimating to your first clients.
Format: Self-Paced | Free with Enrollment | Powered by Nail It Pro
Ready to Apply? Let's Start Right Now.
This form takes about 3 minutes. Someone from SWD's team will follow up within 2 business days to complete your intake.
Your information is private and secure. SWD does not sell or share your data with any third party. Applying does not commit you to anything — it simply starts a conversation.
Here's Exactly What Happens After You Apply.
Step 1
We'll Reach Out Within 2 Business Days
A real member of SWD's intake team will call or email you to confirm your application and schedule your intake appointment. This is not an automated message — it's a person who wants to talk to you.
Step 2
Intake Appointment (30 Minutes)
You'll sit down (in person or virtually) with an SWD staff member for a brief intake conversation. No tests. No judgment. Just a conversation about your goals, your background, and which program is the right fit.
Step 3
Program Enrollment
Once you're enrolled, you'll receive your Study Buddy Pro account access, your program schedule, and everything you need to show up ready on Day 1.
Step 4
Show Up and Do the Work
The rest is on you — and SWD will be with you every step of the way. Our staff, your AI tutor, your mentor, and your cohort are all in your corner from Day 1 forward.
FOR EMPLOYERS & CONTRACTORS
Hire People Who Are
Built for This Work.
SWD graduates don't just show up with credentials. They show up with work ethic, real training, documented skills, and the drive of someone who earned every single opportunity. If you're building a team, start here.
What You Get When You Hire From SWD.
Pre-Screened and Work-Ready
Every SWD graduate has completed a structured program with documented skills, instructor evaluations, and professional conduct training. You're not hiring an unknown quantity — you're hiring someone who has already been assessed.
Certified in Construction Fundamentals
Pre-Apprenticeship graduates hold OSHA 10 certification and a documented hard-skills competency record. Apprenticeship graduates hold NCCER-aligned credentials per their trade level.
Section 3 Eligible
SWD is Section 3 certified. Hiring SWD graduates may satisfy your Section 3 workforce participation requirements on HUD-funded and federally supported projects — reducing your compliance burden while building your team.
Motivated and Mission-Aligned
SWD's graduates have overcome real barriers to earn their credentials. That story translates directly to on-the-job reliability, resilience under pressure, and loyalty to employers who gave them a real chance.
Ongoing Connection
SWD maintains relationships with our graduates and employer partners. If a placement isn't working, we work with both parties to address it. You are not on your own.
Minority Inclusion on Major Projects
SWD's Minority Contractors Initiative produces trained minority contractors ready to participate in commercial and public development projects. If your project has minority contractor inclusion requirements, SWD is your pipeline.
Three Ways to Partner With SWD.
Whether you want to hire one graduate or build a long-term workforce pipeline, SWD has a partnership structure built for you.
Tier 1 — Hiring Partner
For employers ready to hire SWD graduates directly.
- Direct candidate referrals from SWD's active graduate pool
- Access to participant resumes and completion records
- Priority notification when new cohorts graduate
- SWD staff coordination for interviews and onboarding
- No cost — part of SWD's core employment services mission
Tier 2 — Training Partner
For employers who want to participate in workforce development — not just hire from it.
- Host OJL hours for Registered Apprenticeship participants
- Provide worksite mentorship under a journeyworker
- Participate as an apprenticeship sponsor employer
- Receive Section 3 credit for OJL hours and workforce
- Access workforce funding and incentives via SWD
Tier 3 — Strategic Partner
For organizations ready to invest in SWD's full mission — not just benefit from it.
- All Hiring and Training Partner benefits
- Corporate sponsorship recognition across channels
- Priority access to ConstructAI Lab graduates
- Invitation to SWD's annual employer events
- Direct relationship with SWD leadership
- Documented ESG and DEI community impact
- Co-branded impact reporting for your board and funders
What Section 3 Means for Your Business.
Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 requires that a portion of the work on HUD-assisted construction projects be performed by Section 3 workers — individuals from low-income households or those receiving public housing assistance.
SWD is Section 3 certified. When you hire SWD graduates on HUD-funded or Section 3-covered projects, those workers count toward your Section 3 compliance requirements. This reduces your administrative burden, satisfies your federal participation obligations, and builds your team — all at the same time.
If you are a General Contractor, Developer, or Subcontractor working on federally funded construction projects in the Kansas City metro area, SWD is your Section 3 workforce solution.
Ready to hire or partner? Tell us about your needs.
FOR DONORS & SPONSORS
Every Dollar You Give
Builds a Career.
SWD doesn't charge participants. That means the work is funded entirely by people who believe in it — donors, sponsors, foundations, and organizations that understand what it costs to change a life and decide it's worth it. If that's you, here's how your investment works.
This Is What Funding SWD Actually Funds.
$50
Covers one participant's OSHA 10 certification materials
One graduate. One credential. One step closer to employment.
$250
Covers one week of program instruction for one participant
A full week of daily training, instructor time, curriculum, and materials for one person on their way to a new career.
$1,000
Funds one complete Build It KC Pre-Apprenticeship enrollment
Four weeks of instruction, skills, OSHA, and employment services for one participant — from day one through job placement.
$5,000
Sponsors an entire AI Lab cohort
Covers hardware access, Study Buddy Pro seats, AI tutor usage, and digital literacy curriculum for a full ConstructAI Lab cohort.
$10,000
Seeds a new program cohort
Funds a complete intake-to-placement cycle for a new group of participants — from recruitment through certification and employer connection.
$25,000+
Builds the future
Sustains SWD's operations, program development, staff capacity, and technology infrastructure. Contributions at this level are eligible for co-branded impact reporting, named sponsorships, and direct relationship with SWD leadership.
Four Ways to Support SWD's Mission.
Path 1 — One-Time Donation
Every gift, at any size, goes directly to SWD's programs and participants. There is no overhead mystery — your donation funds training, certifications, and employment services for Kansas City's most underserved workers.
- Fully tax-deductible — SWD is a registered 501(c)(3)
- Donation receipt provided for all gifts
Path 2 — Recurring Monthly Giving
Monthly donors are the backbone of SWD's financial stability. A recurring gift — at any level — gives our team the ability to plan, hire, and commit to cohorts with confidence.
- Monthly giving starts at any amount
- Cancel anytime — no commitment beyond each month
- Quarterly impact updates from SWD leadership
Path 3 — Corporate Sponsorship
For companies and organizations that want to connect their community investment directly to documented outcomes. SWD's corporate sponsors receive public recognition, co-branded reporting, and a direct relationship with the people their investment serves.
Sponsorship Levels:
Community Sponsor — $2,500/year — Logo on SWD website, social media recognition, sponsorship certificate
Program Sponsor — $10,000/year — Above + named cohort sponsorship, quarterly impact report, event invitation
Mission Partner — $25,000+/year — Above + co-branded materials, direct leadership access, annual impact presentation, priority employer partnership status
Path 4 — In-Kind Support
SWD accepts in-kind contributions that directly support our programs and participants.
- Construction tools and safety equipment for training
- Computer equipment and peripherals for ConstructAI Lab
- Professional services: legal, accounting, marketing
- Interview clothing and work gear for participants
- Gift cards and transportation assistance
To discuss an in-kind contribution, contact [email protected].
For Institutional Funders and Grant Officers.
SWD is a fully transparent 501(c)(3) nonprofit with eight years of operational history and a documented track record of impact. We welcome formal grant applications, foundation partnerships, and institutional investments aligned with our mission.
SWD's Programs Are Aligned With:
• Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) priorities
• HUD Section 3 workforce development requirements
• CDBG technology and workforce set-asides
• U.S. Department of Labor pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship priorities
• NSF SBIR/STTR programs (via Widerange partnership)
• Kauffman Foundation entrepreneurship and mobility priorities
• State of Missouri Department of Economic Development workforce programs
Available to Funders Upon Request:
• Letters of support
• Outcome and completion data
• Budget documentation
• Program documentation for grant narratives
• ConstructAI Lab implementation report
Contact: For foundation inquiries and formal funding discussions, contact Anjou D. Giri directly at [email protected] or call (816) 433-4682.
Ready to invest? Let us know how you'd like to give.
FOR VOLUNTEERS & COMMUNITY LEADERS
Give Your Time.
Give Your Expertise.
Give Your Leadership.
Not everyone's contribution is a check. Some of the most valuable things SWD needs are knowledge, experience, and presence. If you have something to offer — from a few hours a month to a seat on our board — we need you.
Real Ways to Make a Real Difference.
Role 1 — Industry Mentor
Who it's for: Experienced construction professionals, licensed contractors, journeyworkers, project managers
What you do: Work one-on-one or with small groups of participants to share trade knowledge, job site experience, and career guidance — in person or virtually.
Time commitment: As little as 2 hours per month
Why it matters: Our participants don't just need skills — they need to hear from real people who built real careers in this industry.
Role 2 — Mock Interview Coach
Who it's for: HR professionals, hiring managers, business owners, anyone with hiring experience
What you do: Conduct practice interviews with graduates preparing to enter the job market and give specific feedback on presentation and communication.
Time commitment: 2–4 hours per cohort (once every 4–6 weeks)
Why it matters: Many participants have never had a formal interview. One hour of coaching can be the difference between getting the job and walking away.
Role 3 — Business & Financial Advisor
Who it's for: CPAs, bookkeepers, business attorneys, financial planners, small business owners
What you do: Guide Construction Entrepreneur participants on business formation, financial management, legal structure, and operations via workshops or advising sessions.
Time commitment: Flexible — quarterly workshops or individual sessions
Why it matters: Most first-generation contractors fail because of business systems, not skill. Your expertise closes that gap.
Role 4 — Technology & AI Lab Volunteer
Who it's for: IT professionals, software developers, digital literacy instructors, anyone comfortable with computers and AI tools
What you do: Support ConstructAI Lab participants with hands-on technology guidance — helping them navigate computers, platforms, and AI tools in real time.
Time commitment: Flexible — as little as 2 hours per month in the lab or virtually
Why it matters: The best technology in the world doesn't help if someone is afraid to touch the keyboard. Volunteers make the tech feel human.
Role 5 — Event & Community Volunteer
Who it's for: Anyone with time, energy, and a desire to show up
What you do: Support community events, hiring fairs, graduation ceremonies, and outreach activities — hands-on, people-facing work.
Time commitment: Event-based — typically 4–8 hours per event
Why it matters: SWD's events connect participants to employers, funders to mission, and neighbors to each other. Every volunteer strengthens that connection.
SWD Is Building Its Next Generation of Leadership.
Strategic Workforce Development Inc. is actively recruiting innovative, mission-aligned board members to support SWD's next chapter of growth. As SWD expands its programs, technology infrastructure, and regional footprint, it needs board members who bring expertise, relationships, and strategic vision.
Areas of Expertise SWD Is Seeking:
• Human Resources & Talent Management
• Strategic Planning & Organizational Development
• Marketing & Communications
• Nonprofit Management & Governance
• Technology & AI
• Construction & Trades Industry
• Legal & Compliance
• Finance & Accounting
Board Member Expectations:
• Attend monthly board meetings (typically 90 minutes, hybrid)
• Participate in at least one standing committee
• Support SWD's fundraising and donor relationships
• Champion SWD's mission within your networks
• Serve a three-year term with option for renewal
"SWD board service is unpaid and voluntary. Board members are not expected to make personal financial contributions, though we welcome any support board members choose to offer in whatever form they can."
Ready to give your time? Start here.
WHY GET INVOLVED WITH SWD
You're not donating to a concept. You're investing in a track record.
6,000+
Lives Impacted Since 2018
8 Years
Unbroken Operation in KC
150+
Skilled Trades Graduates
2 Cities
Kansas City, MO + Columbus, OH
501(c)(3)
Fully Registered Nonprofit
501(c)(3) Nonprofit — EIN on file • Section 3 Certified • Pre-Apprenticeship Program — Allied Trades Partner • WIOA-Aligned Programs • Technology Partner: Widerange Management Group, Inc.
Four Ways to Be Part of What SWD Is Building.
PARTICIPANTS
Your career starts with one form.
EMPLOYERS
The workforce you need is trained and ready.
DONORS & SPONSORS
Every dollar builds a career.
VOLUNTEERS & BOARD
Your expertise changes everything.
Strategic Workforce Development Inc.
Where Opportunity Meets Potential — Kansas City, MO
Legal & Status
501(c)(3) Nonprofit — EIN on file.
Section 3 Certified workforce organization.
Privacy Policy
© 2026 Strategic Workforce Development Inc. All rights reserved.
Kelly
SWD AI Brand Ambassador