About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
The Retention Apprentice Mentoring Program (RAMP) is a workforce development initiative focused on ensuring the long-term success of apprentices, especially those from underrepresented communities within the building and construction trades. Based in Alameda County and surrounding areas, RAMP is grounded in mentorship, career navigation, and holistic support services that prioritize retention, not just entry.Founded by trades professionals and educators.
Our Story
RAMP was created in direct response to the growing need for sustainable support systems that help apprentices stay the course. While many programs focus on access, RAMP focuses on progress, persistence, and promotion, ensuring apprentices not only start but also complete their programs and build meaningful careers. Our Mission: To strengthen apprenticeship outcomes by connecting individuals with mentors, removing barriers to success, and fostering a community of accountability, empowerment, and equity within the trades. What We Do
🔧 Mentorship & Peer Support
RAMP pairs apprentices with experienced mentors, journey-level tradespeople who understand the unique challenges faced on and off the jobsite. Through one-on-one and group mentoring, apprentices receive real-world guidance, encouragement, and problem-solving strategies that improve confidence, job performance, and retention.
📚 Training & Skill-Building
In collaboration with unions, training centers, and community organizations, RAMP coordinates workshops on communication, financial literacy, workplace rights, OSHA safety, and professional development. These sessions prepare apprentices to succeed beyond the technical skills of their craft.
🤝 Case Management & Navigation
RAMP staff provide individualized support to help apprentices overcome personal and professional barriers. This includes referrals to housing, transportation, mental health resources, and legal aid, as well as direct coordination with training coordinators and contractors to resolve job-site concerns.
📈 Tracking & Accountability
RAMP documents participant progress from pre-apprenticeship through journey-level graduation. We support contractors and workforce partners with meaningful data and feedback loops to improve inclusion efforts and advocate for equity-based retention strategies.
🌱 Community Partnerships
RAMP actively collaborates with local pre-apprenticeship programs, youth agencies, reentry initiatives, and schools. We participate in career fairs, panel discussions, and workforce convenings to uplift the visibility of trade as a career pathway for marginalized populations.
Whom We Serve
We believe that retention is justice and that by supporting apprentices through each step of their journey, we are building not just careers, but community wealth, family stability, and generational change.
Meet The Team
