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Raising the BAR

Raising the Bar

Free, Six-Week Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Free, 6-Week Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Raising the Bar is the Baltimore-D.C. Metro Building Trades’ six-week pre-apprenticeship program. Through this program, we invest in the next generation of union construction workers, providing a pathway to a great career in the building trades.

Operating in Baltimore, Prince George’s County and the District of Columbia — in partnership with the Construction Trades Workforce Initiative (CTWI) — the program offers participants and their families a ladder of opportunity into the middle class through the union construction trades.

Participants in the Raising the Bar Winter 2025 Baltimore cohort.

Raising the Bar was very good for me. It gave me a lot of information. It gave me everything I need. It changed my life. 

– Kenyona Whitaker, Raising the Bar Graduate and IBEW Local 24 Apprentice 

Raising the Bar was very good for me. It gave me a lot of information. It gave me everything I need. It changed my life. 

– Kenyona Whitaker, Raising the Bar Graduate and IBEW Local 24 Apprentice 

In Raising the Bar You Can:

In Raising the Bar You Can:

  • Explore high-paying union careers.
  • Learn hands-on construction skills.
  • Practice math skills, update your resume and participate in mock interviews.
  • Connect with tradespeople & employers.

Requirements

Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED
  • Take math assessment
  • Physically able to work
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Access to a vehicle
  • 18+ years old
  • Pass drug test

Info Session Schedule

Info Session Schedule
  • In Person: February 28, 2026 @ 10am at the Cement Mason’s Training Center 1517 Kennilworth Ave NE
  • Virtual via Zoom: March 5, 2026 @ 5pm
  • Virtual via Zoom: March 12, 2026 @ 5pm
The D.C. spring cohort program will run from April 13 to May 22, 2026.

We were able to participate in hands-on projects that were relevant to the specific trade during our visit.”

– DeShay Moore, Raising the Bar Graduate and Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5 Apprentice 

We were able to participate in hands-on projects that were relevant to the specific trade during our visit.” 

–  DeShay Moore, Raising the Bar Graduate and Plumbers & Gasfitters Local 5 Apprentice  

Participants in the Raising the Bar Winter 2025 Baltimore cohort.

Future Cohort Dates

Future Cohort Dates

  • Maryland Summer Cohort Dates: 7/13/26 – 8/28/26
  • DC Fall Cohort Dates: 10/5/26 – 11/13/26