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.
YBB serves youth and young adults ages 17-24 primarily (but not exclusively) from underserved neighborhoods in Boston. Applicants should have an interest in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction industry, want to learn skills in the trades and be comfortable with hands-on learning and physical work.
Hours | Activity Type | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7:30am-3:00pm | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Location information:
27 Centre st Roxbury, MA 02119 | Near Orange Line (Roxbury Crossing) and buses (Nubian Station & others) |
Learning takes place in a combination of worksite and classroom locations, placement visits, all of which are chosen to be easily accessible to students.
Participant Supports:
Participant Support Category | All participants | As needed |
---|---|---|
Fees: union application fees, driving permits | ✓ | |
Tech: TgH Laptops | ✓ | |
Supplies: toolbelt, and tools, hardhat (PPE), boots as needed, uniforms (pants, shirts) | ✓ | |
Food: meals together, “community fridge” refrigerator food to take home to families | ✓ | |
Driving school support | ✓ | |
Life skills/health: internal curriculum, special partnerships and presentations (sex ed, substance abuse, financial literacy) | ✓ | |
Professional skills: resume, networking, interview prep, mock interviews, job fair, partnerships, industry presentations, professional communications, construction math | ✓ |