Missouri Works Initative’s Austin Fox Named to TradesFutures Program Advisory Committee

Date Posted: April 28, 2026

Posted In: Organizations, People, Workforce,

Austin Fox, Construction program manager/instructor with the Missouri Works Initiative, has been named to the newly formed Program Advisory Committee (PAC) of TradesFutures, a national nonprofit focused on expanding access to apprenticeship readiness programs.

The PAC brings together program leaders, union representatives, workforce development organizations, and building trades partners to guide curriculum development, program strategy, and alignment with evolving industry needs. During its inaugural year, the committee will focus on reviewing and modernizing TradesFutures’ Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3), a widely used pre-apprenticeship framework preparing individuals for entry into registered construction apprenticeships.

“I believe the greatest impact ARPs (apprenticeship readiness programs) are having on today’s workforce is the meaningful expansion of opportunity across construction apprenticeships,” Fox said. “Through ARPs (apprenticeship readiness programs), individuals from diverse backgrounds are able to access training, develop in-demand skills, and build stable, family-sustaining careers.”

In addition to curriculum work, the committee will identify best practices and support continuous improvement across the TradesFutures network. Members will collaborate with staff and partners to ensure programs remain responsive to workforce demand while expanding access to career pathways in the skilled trades.

Fox’s selection reflects the Missouri Works Initiative’s role in advancing workforce development efforts, particularly in connecting individuals from diverse backgrounds to training and employment opportunities in construction. He will serve alongside representatives from programs across the country.