At YouthBuild Boston, participants engage in building industry pathways programming through hands-on and contextualized learning, while earning pay.

Most importantly, this includes vocational services such as exposure to industry pathways in design, architecture, engineering and trades; exploration of trades opportunities in carpentry mechanical and other trades; skill building by obtaining industry credentials such as OSHA10, fall safety, CPR/First Aid and NCCER and learning basic carpentry skills such as framing; career placement preparation for registered apprenticeships, employment, post-secondary education, or workforce training; and finally, career advancement services such as retention and career planning supports. Participants learn construction techniques in both rehabilitation and new construction, including “green” techniques.Training is designed to lead to full-time construction positions, opportunities in entry level union apprenticeships, weatherization technician positions, and other related employment.

Participants also attend educational classes to improve their basic skills and inform their vocational progress such as construction math, and, as needed, receive individualized assistance with their secondary school credential attainment (currently High School Diploma via Penn Foster or Edmentum, High School Equivalency coming later in the year).

Finally, all participants are provided with professional skills development opportunities, professional mentorship and other wrap-around supports, as needed. The YBB life skills curriculum is aimed at developing work readiness skills  such as communication, teamwork, and financial literacy, and personal and family health. Job development opportunities include service-learning on community projects, employer presentations, employer and union visits, “lunch and learns” and job fairs. And all participants receive tools and equipment needed to participate in the program, case management and success coaching through in-depth job placement counseling, advanced interview support, and referral to current openings that meet their training criteria and skill level.