Apprenticeship Program & Training Specialist

About the Opportunity
Building Futures seeks a mission-driven and collaborative Apprenticeship Program & Training Specialist to help strengthen and expand high-quality registered apprenticeship programs across Rhode Island. This role provides hands-on support and training to apprenticeship sponsors, helping them design, implement, and sustain programs that create clear career pathways and meet employer and industry needs. The Specialist will build partner capacity through technical assistance, workshops, and resource development — advancing programs that connect Rhode Islanders to family-sustaining careers. The Program & Training Specialist also supports pre-apprenticeship development and will serve as the lead provider of technical assistance for heat pump-related apprenticeship programs as part of Office of Energy Resource’s Clean Heat initiative.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of workforce development, adult learning, and program design. The successful candidate will bring strong facilitation, relationship-building, and project management skills; a passion for improving systems that advance equity and opportunity; and the ability to translate program requirements into clear, practical tools and guidance.

About Building Futures: Building Futures was founded in 2007 as a construction industry partnership, focused on leveraging the Registered Apprenticeship model of workforce development. For over 100 years, unions and employers have jointly operated quality Registered Apprenticeships in the construction occupations to train individuals as highly skilled tradespeople. Our work spans three distinct but highly aligned areas.

For the benefit of low-income Rhode Islanders, Building Futures developed and operates a comprehensive pre-apprenticeship program to prepare diverse, low-income men and women for success in employment as registered apprentices in the building trades. In addition, we work in partnership with a wide range of stakeholders to ensure construction projects provide employment opportunities for apprentices at the appropriate level to meet future demand for skilled labor through our Apprentice Utilization Program. Our pre-apprenticeship and apprentice utilization program together provide an effective system for workforce development in Rhode Island’s construction sector.

From this foundation, we have established Apprenticeship Rhode Island, an initiative to expand the use of Registered Apprenticeship beyond the construction sector. Now, we are helping develop new registered apprenticeship programs in multiple sectors, which include healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and marine trades, among others. Working with employers, industry partnerships, government, and community-based organizations, we are spreading the proven model of Registered Apprenticeship to benefit the state’s workforce and economy.

Responsibilities:

1. Program Development & Support
· Serve as the lead relationship manager for a portfolio of non-trade registered apprenticeship programs.
· Provide responsive support on apprenticeship program launch and operations.
· Ensure apprenticeship sponsors maintain accurate and timely records. Provide training and support on relevant data systems as needed.
· Provide technical assistance to create and/or improve pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. Ensure quality frameworks are incorporated.
· Provide technical assistance to potential or current registered apprenticeship sponsors of occupations related to heat pump installation and maintenance.
· Develop related instructional curriculum content as needed.



2. Training & Resource Development
· Understand registered apprenticeship best practices and effectively communicate them to stakeholders.
· Design and deliver training workshops for apprentices, apprentices’ mentors and managers, apprenticeship program administrators, and others.
· Facilitate peer learning groups and contribute to statewide apprenticeship convenings.
· In close partnership with the External Relations team, develop and maintain core training and onboarding resources to ensure consistency and quality across programs.
· In close partnership with the External Relations team, develop content for newsletters, guides, and program spotlights.


3. Sustainability & Continuous Improvement
· Help partners develop apprenticeship funding strategies, identify funding options, and support partners in connecting to those funding options.
· When appropriate, connect registered apprenticeship programs to institutes of higher education to enable apprentices to earn college credit.
· Provide partners with tailored technical assistance based on performance data. Document program improvement plans and support follow through.
· Track activities, monitor progress, and contribute to reporting for organizational learning and accountability.

Other duties as assigned.


Qualifications:
3+ years’ experience in teaching, program design, and/or implementation in education, workforce development, training, or related settings.
Strong relationship-building skills and ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
Excellent facilitation and communication skills, including designing and leading engaging workshops.
Project management skills with ability to balance multiple deadlines.
Ability to support financial and sustainability planning around program implementation.
Ability to interpret and communicate about data.
Background in education, adult learning, training delivery, or instructional design. Familiarity with workforce pathways, career training, or apprenticeship programs preferred. Completion of registered apprenticeship program preferred.
Knowledge of apprenticeship law, regulations, and best practices preferred. Training available for the right candidate.
Competency with computer programs including Excel, Word, Outlook, project management software, and databases.


Additional Information

Building Futures is located in the Valley neighborhood of Providence, RI. This role requires local and state-wide travel. A valid driver’s license is required.

Building Futures is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, LGBTQ+ and gender non-conforming candidates, people with disabilities, and people of other diverse backgrounds and experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.


Apply today!
Please submit your cover letter and resume to Shelby Mack, Chief Apprenticeship Expansion Officer, at hiring@bfri.org.