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.
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
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)
Illinois Works Award
Illinois Works Grant Award - (Heart of Illinois ABC)
Illinois Works Grant Award - (Heart of Illinois ABC)
Founder Spotlight (Chicago Southsider Bulletin)
Founder Spotlight (Chicago Southsider Bulletin)
Founder Spotlight (Chicago Southsider Bulletin)
Founder Spotlight
Founder Spotlight (Chicago Southsider Bulletin)
Founder Spotlight (Chicago Southsider Bulletin)