About Us

A partnership between signatory contractors & building trades unions

What We're About

The Central Iowa Building & Construction Trades Council is made up of 16 unions representing more than 15,000 highly skilled workers who perform building and construction work across Central Iowa.

The craftwork of the thousands of men and women in the construction trade unions has been woven into our lives throughout the Central Iowa region – at our capitol, in our schools, in our workplaces, and in our homes – for more than 100 years. Building trades unions help these professionals develop the skills that enable them to secure their American Dream.

Ironworker

Dedicated To Growing

We are dedicated to growing infrastructure and construction investment; safeguarding workplace, wage, and benefits standards; promoting responsible contracting and common-sense labor protections; investing in apprenticeship and training; and creating pathways to the middle class for women, communities of color, and military veterans in the construction industry.

  • Growing Infrastructure & Construction Investment
    Finding a place in the middle class for everyone
  • Active Community Partners
    Supporting our community by raising each other up
  • Helping individuals get a step ahead

Documentation

We are proud to partner with community-based organizations like United Way of Central Iowa and Forest Avenue Outreach to provide training center visits, hands-on experiences with tools and materials, and quality pre-apprenticeship programmining to create pathways to building trades registered apprenticeship programs.

 

We work closely with dozens of schools to provide or supplement qualified training and curricula in the skilled trades. We proudly endorse and promote the North America's Building Trades Unions' industry-recognized and DOL-approved Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3), which is a 120-hour proven program to help individuals become "apprenticeship ready" by equipping them with the hard skills and soft skills needed to succeed.

Women in the skilled trades are essential to our workforce, and we’re proud to support women breaking new ground in construction careers. From apprenticeships to leadership roles, Central Iowa Building & Construction Trades offers resources, training, and a strong community to help women excel and thrive. Whether you're interested in carpentry, electrical work, welding, or another trade, we’re here to ensure your career is built to last. Learn more about Women in the Trades here.

Training & skills needed for lifelong careers

Leaders in Registered Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship is a key pillar of the building trades. Our unions have embraced apprenticeship for hundreds of years.  
Trade Show
Trade Show

About Registered Apprenticeship

Trade Show

Trade Shows

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship Training

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship Training

apprenticeship

Trade Shows

Apprenticeship Training

Apprenticeship Training

Trade Show

Trade Shows

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship Training

Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship Training

apprenticeship

Trade Shows

Apprenticeship Training

Apprenticeship Training

When building a project, an owner wants it all. Our workforce can deliver.

The Union Advantage

Owners want a competitive price. They want quality construction from a skilled workforce. They want the project to be done on-time and on-budget. Finally, they want to be happy with the work product when the project is finished. Only one group can consistently meet these goals: union-built Iowa master builders. Building Union means getting the project done safely and efficiently, creating good local jobs, promoting family stability, and making a difference in the community and local economy.

Becoming signatory with the building trades is one of the smartest decisions a business can make. Union members who work for signatory contractors are a highly skilled labor force committed to a superior quality work, top notch training, safety and increased productivity.

Build your next project with a a signatory contractor in our directory. Union built means a committment to quality. Union construction has upheld its commitment to its members and the industry it serves for well over 100 years, with the belief that all working people have a right to:

In return, union members take pride in being productive, efficient, and safe workers; producing work of the highest quality; improving their communities; helping fellow workers achieve safety and security in the workplace; and being active citizens and informed voters.

The partnership between signatory contractors and building trades unions is a win-win-win proposition for our workers, communities, and the bottom line.
Who We are

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Leadership

Officers & Staff

Leadership

Officers & Staff
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Priorities

Empowering Workers, Ensuring Fairness

Priorities

Empowering Workers, Ensuring Fairness
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Events

Trade shows, Conferences, High School Expos

Events

Trade shows, Conferences, High School Expos
Learn More
Start Strong with Central Iowa’s Best

Build Your Career Here!

Whether you're a skilled tradesperson looking to join a dedicated team or a contractor in search of top talent for your next project, Central Iowa Building & Construction Trades is here to connect you.