Building Skills, Crafting Futures: Empwering youth through our Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Under the guidance of experienced instructors and mentors, our program offers comprehensive training in landscape, irrigation and carpentry. Participants learn essential carpentry skills such as measuring, cutting, drilling, and assembling, as well as proper tool usage and safety precautions. Through practical projects like building community garden plots, these aspiring craftsmen and craftswomen gain confidence and develop a solid foundation in woodworking techniques.

Our program provides training in the art of landscaping, teaching participants about plant identification, horticulture principles, and irrigation. From soil preparation and planting to maintaining garden beds and creating irrigation systems, our participants acquire the skills necessary to transform green spaces into beautiful, sustainable environments.

However, our program goes beyond teaching technical skills. Recognizing the importance of personal development, the curriculum includes workshops on communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving. Participants engage in team-building activities, fostering a spirit of cooperation and collaboration. Leadership development and goal-setting exercises are also incorporated, empowering youth to envision and pursue their dreams.

Community engagement is a core component of the program, as participants collaborate on projects with local organizations and residents. They contribute to neighborhood beautification initiatives, offering their landscaping and carpentry services to homeowners and businesses. By actively participating in the community, these young individuals cultivate a sense of pride, belonging, and social responsibility.

To ensure the success of our youth program, collaborations with local trade schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations have been established. All graduates of our program are sponsored to union Local 345 where they become union apprentices. These connections also help pave the way for continued education or employment opportunities beyond the program, opening doors for a promising future for program participants.

The future is looking brighter for youth in our disadvantaged communities. With its focus on skill development, personal growth, and community engagement, the program is transforming the lives of its participants, one project at a time. Together, as a community, we can continue to support and empower these young individuals, ensuring they have the tools they need to build a better future and thrive.