Reno is giving at-risk youth a shot at making a success of themselves with YouthBuild, a program that introduces at risk teens and young adults (ages 16-24) to the construction industry. They are able to give each participant a personalized plan through The Children’s Cabinet, which provides mentoring, career counseling, academic support, and leadership training.
Participants complete 300 hours of education training, 186 hours of vocational skills training, 65 hours of field work construction training, and 40 hours of community service. This approach gives each participant the opportunity to earn an HSE or adult diploma and professional certifications, such as OSHA 10, First Aid and CPR, LEED, and Solar Installation.
Once students have graduated, they receive another year of mentorship and get help obtaining apprenticeships that can eventually lead to full-time work.
According to program director, Jeremy Stocking, “This is an opportunity for young adults to invest in their community and, most importantly, invest in themselves.”
YouthBuild is a program of the U.S. Department of Labor, which selected The Children’s Cabinet to introduce the program to Northern Nevada in 2013. Two cohorts have completed the program. The third cohort has just completed the educational training and they will begin field work experience at the end of May. All participants have been on-site building/rehabilitating a new Transitional Living Center for runaway, homeless, and foster youth. The completed center is due to open at the end of 2015.
For more information about The Children’s Cabinet and Washoe YouthBuild, click here or call 775-856-0356.
