First-of-its-kind TCU + Building Trades Council partnership—your on-ramp to a union career.
The Dakota Prairie Apprenticeship Readiness Program (DPARP) is the first partnership between a TCU and a state Building Trades Council in all of North America. The program seeks to prepare students for one of the apprenticeship programs within the North Dakota Building Trades Unions. The course is a hybrid course with asynchronous coursework. The hybrid component is a weekly check–in via Zoom or Microsoft Teams. The primary goal of check-in is to monitor progress and assist participants in navigating challenges that may hinder entrance into a Registered Apprenticeship Program.
Qualified candidates can apply directly to an apprenticeship—no 12-week program needed.
Interested in the trades? Start by earning your GED—we can help you get started.
Sign up today to begin the 12-week Apprenticeship Readiness Program.
Join our 12-week hybrid Apprenticeship Readiness Program with weekly Zoom/Teams check-ins. Built on the TradesFutures curriculum, DPARP prepares you for entry into North Dakota Building Trades apprenticeships—with placement support and rolling cohorts August–February. Spots are limited—reserve yours today.
The Dakota Prairie Apprenticeship Readiness Program (DPARP) provides a 12-week, fully online training experience designed to prepare participants for success in North Dakota’s Building Trades Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
Our Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3)—approved by all NDBTU-associated trades—builds the foundation for a career in the skilled construction industry. Participants gain both technical knowledge and real-world job readiness skills that employers value.
Graduates of the program are ready to apply to one of 15 Registered Apprenticeship Programs across North Dakota’s Building Trades—including electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and more.
DPARP participants can complete the course at their own pace within the 12-week window, preparing for a career that offers paid training, benefits, and long-term advancement opportunities.
Completion of the DPARP Prep Course does not guarantee apprenticeship placement. Work opportunities are primarily in North Dakota, and transportation may be required. The 12-week course may be completed faster depending on participant commitment.
Orientation & Industry Awareness
Understand the structure of the construction industry, apprenticeship pathways, and the role of Building Trades Unions.
Tools & Materials
Learn how to identify, safely handle, and maintain the tools and materials used across all construction trades.
Construction Health & Safety
Develop strong safety awareness through OSHA-aligned practices and hazard prevention training.
Blueprint Reading
Interpret construction drawings and symbols to confidently navigate project plans and site layouts.
Basic Math for Construction
Apply practical math skills used daily on job sites—from measurements to geometry and conversions.
Heritage of the American Worker
Explore the history of labor movements, worker rights, and the legacy of the skilled trades.
Diversity in the Construction Industry
Understand how inclusion and teamwork strengthen every job site and workforce.
Green Construction
Learn about sustainable building practices, energy efficiency, and environmentally responsible construction.
Financial Literacy
Gain essential money-management skills, including budgeting, credit, and understanding union benefits.
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In this episode of ARP Rockstars, we highlight the impactful work of Iman Moore and Jason Ehlert in the Dakota Prairie Apprenticeship Readiness Program, which aims to create pathways for Native American communities into the building trades. They discuss their personal journeys, the importance of building trust within indigenous communities, and the challenges faced in workforce development. The program is a pioneering effort to connect apprenticeship opportunities with tribal colleges, addressing systemic issues and fostering collaboration for a better future.
As part of our continued coverage of National Apprenticeship Week, the America’s Work Force Union Podcast explored a partnership to connect Native American communities with the building trades. Joining the discussion were Jason Ehlert, President of the North Dakota State Building and Construction Trades Council, and Iman Moore, Native American Career and Technical Education Project (NACTEP) Project Director, who shared insights into their collaborative efforts to foster apprenticeship opportunities for Native American populations.
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