Cementing Futures: Unlimited Contract Solutions and LTW’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program Are Putting Young Talent to Work
- Lead The Way
- Jun 25
- 2 min read
At Lead the Way, we know meaningful change happens when visionary companies and community-driven education come together. Our partnership with Unlimited Contract Solutions (UCS) is a powerful example of what happens when young talent is presented with real opportunity.
UCS isn’t just building commercial concrete structures across the Midwest—they’re helping to build futures. As a full-service concrete contractor with experience in foundations, slabs, tilt walls, and sitework, UCS brings the industry knowledge. But what sets them apart is their commitment to mentoring and hiring youth directly from their community.
Introducing the Pre-Apprenticeship Program
Lead the Way’s Pre-Apprenticeship Program was launched to bridge the gap between education and employment for young adults—particularly those with limited access to hands-on career exploration. It offers a structured, supportive pathway for high school students and recent graduates to:
Gain real worksite experience in high-demand fields like skilled trades
Develop soft skills like teamwork, confidence, and communication
Receive mentorship from professionals
Understand what a livable-wage career looks and feels like
The program is not just a classroom—it's a launchpad. Designed in partnership with employers like UCS, it allows students to explore industries they may not have even known existed, while also giving employers access to motivated, local talent.

Laying the Groundwork for Long-Term Impact
UCS joined forces with LTW to host the program’s first pilot cohort, opening their job sites and team to help educate and inspire the next generation of workers. The results were immediate: UCS hired three participants directly from the program, and a fourth was referred by a peer who completed it.
“We have a goal of hiring more of our workforce from Central Ohio, and this program has helped us do just that,” said a UCS representative. One of the most unforgettable moments for the UCS team came at the conclusion of the cohort—offering participants a livable starting salary.
“Seeing their reaction—that moment of recognition that their hard work mattered—was incredible.”
And the transformation wasn’t just professional—it was personal. One student began the program shy, quiet, and unsure. By the end, he was leading small groups, demonstrating techniques, and teaching others with confidence.
“He went from avoiding group discussions to leading them—he found his voice. It was amazing to watch.”
Hiring for Grit, Growing for Good
When asked what makes a candidate stand out, UCS doesn’t hesitate: grit.
“Many of these young adults have already faced and overcome adversity. You can teach job skills—but you can’t teach grit.”
UCS backs up that philosophy by investing in every new hire through mentorship and talent development plans. New employees receive one-on-one coaching and ongoing evaluation to ensure they’re not only job-ready—but future-ready.
To Employers Considering a Partnership: Don’t Wait
“It’s easier—and more valuable—to train a determined person than to find one,” UCS says.“Lead the Way connects you with individuals who have already proven they’re resilient.”
As UCS continues to grow, they remain committed to bringing LTW along for the journey—expanding opportunity for more local youth, one hire at a time.
“We plan to grow in our industry—and we want Lead the Way right beside us, helping to employ more local young adults.”
For information on how you can partner with Lead the Way and make an impact on tomorrow’s workforce, visit us atwww.leadthewaylearningacademy.org
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