2. Skills Training

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Underlying YouthBuild Values and Philosophy
  3. YouthBuild Program Design Standards
  4. 2008 YouthBuild Program Performance Standards
  5. Honors Graduates
  6. The Process for Changing the YouthBuild Model or Requirements
  7. Working Definitions of Important Terms Related to These Standards
  8. Appendix

2008 YouthBuild Annual Report to the General Assembly (pdf)

2008 YouthBuild Annual Report to the General Assembly (HTML Version)

YouthBuild Program Design Standards

2. Skills Training

Required actions

  • 2 A The process of construction is coupled with skills training and close on-site supervision by experienced trainers in a staff-to-youth ratio of no less than one trainer to no more than seven students.
  • 2 B Safety skills and safe practices are taught at the outset and enforced throughout the program. Care is taken to provide the same training to students who join at a later date.
  • 2 C The curriculum includes transferable career readiness skills that are broadly applicable as well as specific skills for known career opportunities. A set of locally agreed-upon or nationally certified skills and competencies are systematically taught and students' mastery is assessed individually on a regular, ongoing basis.
  • 2 D Site training is complemented by vocational education classes to reinforce skills training and teach construction terminology or terminology used in additional career tracks in an environment free of production constraints. The training exposes young people to cutting-edge concepts and technology to best prepare them for careers in an evolving field.
  • 2 E Planning is done in advance for substitute activities that can be provided in sometimes unavoidable downtime during the construction process.
  • 2 F Opportunities to obtain driver's education are provided; students are encouraged to obtain driver's licenses to enhance employability.
  • 2 G A plan is developed for nonconstruction work for individual students who become unable to perform construction work for health reasons.
  • 2 H Industry-recognized credentials are made available to students and staff. For example: NCCER for construction, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Home Builders Institute (HBI), First Aid, CPR, lead abatement, asbestos removal, CNA for Nursing, A+ for technology. As proficiency is achieved, or at graduation, certificates of skills mastery are awarded to students.

Recommended Actions

  • 2 I Programs develop construction projects that entail gut rehabilitation or new construction, since such projects offer the best opportunities for comprehensive training. Projects involving minor renovations or work on occupied buildings are distinctly less effective for training purposes.
  • 2 J Students' mastery of the locally agreed-upon competencies is tested by the site supervisors in regular cycles related to raises and coordinated with regular cycles in the academic program.
  • 2 K Internships are set up with private electrical, plumbing, engineering, and architectural firms; and with other developers and contractors allowing well-performing YouthBuild students to obtain additional experience and training during the program cycle. Orientation is provided for both interns and contractors to ensure actual training is being done and interns are not being used for cheap labor.
  • 2 L When programs have added additional career paths, appropriate skills and competencies will be taught and certifications offered.