Franklinton Rising recruits, mentors, trains, and supports young adults ages 17 to 24 in gaining the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to pursue meaningful careers in the building trades throughout Central Ohio.
The organization works with both young men and women who may be navigating economic hardship, educational disruption, or limited access to positive mentorship and career pathways.
Many of these young adults are still in high school, have recently graduated, or are seeking a new direction after stepping away from traditional educational environments. While they may not always have had access to consistent support systems, career exposure, or workforce development opportunities, they possess tremendous potential, resilience, creativity, and untapped ability.
Franklin County is home to thousands of young adults who are disconnected from college, vocational training, or stable employment pathways. Franklinton Rising believes these individuals are not defined by their circumstances, but by their capacity to grow, lead, and contribute when given access to opportunity, mentorship, practical training, and meaningful work.
Through hands-on construction training, mentorship, job placement support, and affordable housing development, Franklinton Rising helps participants build not only technical skills, but also confidence, discipline, teamwork, and long-term economic stability—equipping them to become leaders within their families, workplaces, and communities.
Paid Apprentices Building Affordable Housing
Through Franklinton Rising’s state-certified pre-apprenticeship program, 8 to 12 young adults are employed as paid apprentices in each neighborhood where we are building affordable housing. Every apprentice follows a personalized development plan tailored to their schedule, transportation, living conditions, and educational commitments – ensuring the program meets them where they are while preparing them for where they’re going.
Each home we build serves as a hands-on training ground, where apprentices gain real-world experience across multiple phases of residential construction. As they learn practical trade skills, they also develop the discipline, confidence, and work ethic required to succeed in both residential and commercial construction environments.
But we are building more than skilled workers – we are building people. Through consistent mentorship and relationship, we walk alongside each apprentice, helping them navigate life challenges, grow in character, and develop a vision for a more stable and purposeful future.
Preparing for a Better Future
We desire to offer an opportunity to all young adults, regardless of their background, who are willing to work for a better future and who demonstrate a desire to learn construction skills.
Each apprentice, in addition to life and basic construction skills, is supported in obtaining a driver’s license, securing reliable transportation, and interviewing with leading construction companies to launch a career. On average, an apprentice is with us part-time for close to one year before they are hired in a full-time position.