Youthbuild is a full-time 10 month construction training and education program funded by HUD. The purpose of the Youthbuild program is to assist disadvantaged young adults in completing their high school education and to provide construction skills training leading to economic self sufficiency.

Program Overview: Upon acceptance to the program the trainees must attend Adult Education classes four mornings a week with the goal of attaining their GED. In the afternoons, trainees will receive approximately 4 weeks of leadership and life skills training, and 15 weeks each of classroom and on-the-job construction skills training. All classroom and lab training is provided at Clemson University’s Youth Learning Institute (YLI) in Pickens County and on-the-job training will be at various projects throughout the Upstate. On Fridays the trainees will be involved in leadership training and community service projects.

Incentives, Work Payments & Internships: Potential Trainees are not paid for attending classroom training for their GED. However, trainees can earn incentive payments for attendance and attaining educational performance milestones. Trainees are paid for construction skills training starting at minimum wage with the possibility of bonuses for attendance and raises for good performance. Throughout the training period a trainee can earn up to an average of $200 to $250 every two weeks. Upon completion of the training program, graduates will receive placement assistance for construction-related jobs or to continue their education.

Additional Services: Youthbuild Upstate has also partnered with various local, state, and federal organizations to provide additional services to qualified trainees. These additional services include personal counseling, child care assistance, educational tutoring, financial literacy training, college credit for construction related courses, career skills assessment, career planning, job search skills training, and job placement assistance.

Applicants: To apply, an applicant must be:

· Between 17-24 years old
· Low or very low income
· Available weekdays 8:30am-4:00pm
· US Citizen and Upstate Resident
· Interested in learning construction
· Serious and committed
· 75% must be high school dropouts
· Committed to be drug free

Applicants will be required to attend a two-week unpaid orientation at the Clemson University YLI as part of the selection process. Lunch will be provided. Perfect attendance for the orientation is one of the requirements for program admission.

If you think the program is right for you select this link to the program application. If you need additional information about the YouthBuild Upstate program please contact us.

If you would like more information about the national YouthBuild program you can visit YouthBuild USA, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, and/or review the YouthBuild Fact Sheet.