Site logo
          • Cropped portrait of an attractive female construction worker standing on a building site with her colleagues in the background
            • How We Can Help
              See how SNAP Path to Work can help you achieve your career goals and support your family’s success.
            • Programs and Services
              SNAP Path to Work offers a variety of education and training programs and supports designed to help you prepare for, find, and succeed in your next job.
            • Eligibility Requirements
              Interested? Find out who can enroll in SNAP Path to Work and how to get started.
            • Find a Provider
              Find free SNAP Path to Work education and training opportunities near you. DTA partners with community colleges, MassHire Career Centers, and community-based organizations across the state.
          • Do you think this will help the company?
            • Recruitment Events
              Find and attend a recruitment webinar or other event in your area.
            • How it Works
              Learn about the qualifications to become a provider and associated benefits.
    • Provider Login
    Just-A-Start Corporation
    • 1035 Cambridge Street, #12, Cambridge, MA 02141
    • 617-494-0444
    • Vocational Skills Training
    Just A Start YouthBuild
    Program activities:

    This comprehensive 10-month education and vocational training program provides academic remediation and enrichment leading to a HiSet certificate, intensive construction skills training leading to a construction industry recognized credentials including the HBI-PACT and OSHA certificates, and retail skills training leading to retail industry credentials including the Retail Industry Fundamentals (RIF) certificate. Participants participate in career readiness and life skills seminars throughout the duration of the program.

    Academic instruction include, but not limited to:
    • Math
    • Humanities
    • Science
    • Academic readiness
    The pursuit of a HiSET certificate requires participants pass tests in five core academic areas. The HiSet is awarded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

    Construction skills training includes, but not limited to:
    • Rehab and new construction skills & techniques
    • Green-standard construction methods
    • Pre-apprenticeship certificate training (PACT) Carpentry & Painting.
    The pursuit of an industry recognized certificate-PACT involves intensive classroom, workshop and community-based construction site training. Training also includes OSHA (Occupational Health & Safety Administration) certification. Training is designed to prepare students for employment in construction and construction-related jobs.

    The retail skills track includes 18 hours of intensive classroom training in the NRF Foundation’s RISE Up curriculum that leads to a credential in Retail Industry Fundamentals (RIF). Students who successfully earn this credential will be eligible to participate in 180 additional hours of on-the-job skills training through employers who can offer direct hands-on experience in retail and customer service roles.

    Career readiness & Life skills seminar training include, but not limited to:
    • Social Emotional Learning
    • Leadership
    • Communication/Debate
    • Media Awareness
    • Career exploration & pathways (including PSE awareness & access)

    Program is offered in: English
    Participant demographics:

    Participants must be between 16-24 years of age and have not completed high school. Enrollment is open to the Metropolitan North area. Participants must score a minimum of 4.0 on the TABE.

    Anticipated number of SNAP participants per year: 4
    Total hours: 25
    Program duration: 43 weeks
    Rolling Admission: No
    Number of cycles: 2
    Program start dates: Next cohort begins October 2024.
    Sample schedule:
    HoursActivity TypeMonTueWedThuFriSatSun
    9:00am-2:00pmAcademics (HiSET instruction and life skills)✓✓✓✓
    9:00am-2:00pmVocational skills and career readiness✓✓✓✓
    Other Schedule Information: Participants alternate between the academic schedule and construction skills schedule on a weekly basis.
    Is the program offered remotely? Possible, but not typical
    Is public transportation available? Yes

    Location information:

    430 Rindge Ave., Suite #202 Cambridge, MA 02140accessible via public transportation
    Additional information about location:

    Travel from JAS YouthBuild to worksites is provided.

    Program requirements: CORI check, SORI check, Immunizations/Health Records
    Program is CORI friendly? Yes
    Anticipated outcomes: HBI-PACT, OSHA 10, Retail Industry Fundamentals (RIF), HiSET HIgh School Equivalency
    Other outcomes: Stackable Credential(s), Employment/Promotion, Basic skills gain, Industry skills gain

    Participant Supports:

    Participant Support CategoryAs neededAll participants
    DTA SNAP Transportation Support ✓
    Test/License Fees✓
    Books/Supplies✓
    Clothing/Uniforms✓
    DTA SNAP Child Care Referral✓
    Are there any out of pocket expenses for the participant? No
    Do participants receive any pay? Stipend paid as a wage
    Other, please explain: Students receive a stipend through our Department of Labor grant.

    Contact Information

    Program Liaison: Nate Bae Kupel
    Telephone: 617-380-3847
    Email: youthbuild@justastart.org
    Program code: JAS-VT-YB
    ABAWD Qualifying? Yes