By Kathy Chouteau
Opportunities are on the horizon for 16 to 24-year-old city residents to earn a high school diploma/GED while training for a promising career in the construction trades with Richmond YouthBUILD.
Richmond YouthBUILD—a City program offering pre-apprenticeship training in construction, support to earn a high school diploma or GED and to launch a career—is accepting sign-ups for its orientation Monday, Jan. 13 at 9 a.m. Prospective students/trainees can join Richmond YouthBUILD Wednesdays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. until Jan. 9 to get advance details on the program.
The program, which was bolstered in recent years by a $1.2 million U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration grant, provides hands-on experience for young people in Richmond in the construction industry, while also ensuring they complete their high school educations.
“Our program focuses on skills development, leadership, career readiness and equipping students with the tools they need for a successful transition into the workforce or further education,” according to Sonja Yancey, Workforce Specialist, Employment & Training, for the City of Richmond’s YouthBUILD program.
Within the program, “Pre-Apprenticeship Construction Training” will offer each student an industry credential and certifications in areas such as OSHA, HAZ 40 and CPR. Concurrently, students will receive “High School Diploma/GED Support,” wherein the program offers academic support, tutoring and flexible scheduling so they can complete their high school diploma or GED. And finally, “Job Placement Assistance” will offer job search support, resume building and interviews with local employers so students can get their careers started in the construction industry.
To get started, prospective students can fill out this form for Richmond YouthBUILD by scanning the link below with their phone’s camera or by contacting Sonja Yancey at 510-621-1811 or [email protected].
