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    • Media Releases
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  • More
    • Home
    • Who We Are
      • History
    • Join a construction trade
      • What trade is for you
    • Founder & Tuf team
      • Meet Our TUF Team!
    • Program Application
      • Application
    • In the Media
      • Media Releases
    • Contact Us
      • Contact Us
    • Donate
      • Donate Now!
  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • History
  • Join a construction trade
    • What trade is for you
  • Founder & Tuf team
    • Meet Our TUF Team!
  • Program Application
    • Application
  • In the Media
    • Media Releases
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
  • Donate
    • Donate Now!

BUILDING OUR COMMUNITIES WITH THE COMMUNITY

Tools Up Foundation (TUF) provides women and men minorities, the educational and support TOOLS, that enables them to have thriving careers in the construction industry. We believe, by investing in the people  of the community, we are empowering them to revitalize their own communities.

Our TUF Approach

With our unique TUF TOOLS System, we're able to mold passionate individuals into well rounded and prepared construction professionals through, 


  • T - Technical Training
  • O - Observation
  • O- Opportunities
  • L -  Leadership
  • S - Support Services

TUF Programs

  • Pave the Way Up -  Construction Pre- Apprenticeship Program (Active)
  • TUF TEENS - Construction career exposure and training program for teenagers (Coming Soon)
  • Build Up - Construction Project Management Training Program (TBA)
  • Fresh Start Up - Rehabilitation through Construction Training Program (TBA)
  • Invest Up - Real Estate Investment Training Program (TBA)




About US

Tools Up Foundation is a non-profit organization, training women and men minorities in construction careers. Our founder, a black woman General Contractor, experienced first hand, the lack of diversity in the construction industry. She vowed to create a revolving door for more minorities that look like her. 

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Not sure what construction trade is right for you?

If you do, great! If not, that's great too!

Our unique Pave the Way Up Pre-Apprenticeship program, is a 10-week part time program designed to introduce you to the many trades within the construction industry. You'll have the opportunity to learn  technical skills,  job site hands on training, and student support services, to help you transition into a DOL registered Apprenticeship program.  


Guess what? You'll even get PAID, while you learn!


Requirements:

- 18 years or older

- High School Diploma or GED

- Driver's License (still apply if you need a DL, we can assist)

- Illinois Resident

- Reliable Transportation

- Pass Drug Testing


Industry Recognized Certifications Earned:

- OSHA 10

- First Aid

- NCCER 


Click here to apply!

MEET OUR FOUNDER

Dominique Jones - Founder/Mentor & Instructor

Dominique Jones has over 10 years experience within the construction industry. She is also Founder and CEO of D. Jones Construction, a General Construction firm, and Jones Development, a Real Estate Development and Investment firm. After seeing first hand the major lack of diversity within the construction industry, she vowed to create a revolving door of skilled professionals that look like her, through the Tools Up Foundation. She is also heavily involved in the foundation by being an active Mentor and Instructor. 

TUF Staff TEAM

Charles Morris

Xantheia Watkins

Xantheia Watkins

Awards Manager

Xantheia Watkins

Xantheia Watkins

Xantheia Watkins

Activities Coordinator

Chris Ford

Xantheia Watkins

Tariq Finney

Program Manager

Tariq Finney

Xantheia Watkins

Tariq Finney

Mentor/Instructor 

What are people saying about us?

Illinois Works Grant Award - (Heart of Illinois ABC)

Illinois Works Grant Award - (Heart of Illinois ABC)

Illinois Works Grant Award - (Heart of Illinois ABC)

Gov. Pritzker announces about $10 million to support construction pre-apprenticeship programs including one in Central IL

Illinois Works Award

Illinois Works Grant Award - (Heart of Illinois ABC)

Illinois Works Grant Award - (Heart of Illinois ABC)

Peters congratulates local recipient of Illinois Works Grant

Founder Spotlight (Chicago Southsider Bulletin)

Founder Spotlight (Chicago Southsider Bulletin)

Founder Spotlight (Chicago Southsider Bulletin)

 Former Miss Illinois United States Dominique Jones Wins 3rd Place in South Side Pitch. Here are 5 More Competitions. 

Founder Spotlight

Founder Spotlight (Chicago Southsider Bulletin)

Founder Spotlight (Chicago Southsider Bulletin)

Meet Dominique Jones!

Contact Us

Have a question? Want to join our community to receive updates about the organization? Let a TUF team member reach out to you!

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1500 East 71st Street, Chicago, Illinois 60619, United States

PH: 773-245-0420

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