Workforce Under Construction

The Greater Michigan Construction Academy (GMCA), the educational wing of the ABC Greater Michigan Chapter, will serve as the preferred trainer for the YouthBuild program which recently awarded a 1.1 million grant to GMCA and its partners, Saginaw’s Habitat for Humanity, The Saginaw Intermediate School District and The Saginaw Valley Rehabilitation Center’s Learn to Earn Charter School.

As a part of the partnership, GMCA will provide NCCER approved curriculums to Saginaw, Mich., area youth ages 16-18 through the YouthBuild Program. The full core curriculum will include basic safety, construction math, hand and power tools instruction, construction drawing and materials handling and lead to employment opportunities in carpentry, insulation, electrical and HVAC.

YouthBuild programs provide low-income young people working toward their GEDs or high school diplomas with job training skills and industry recognized certifications. YouthBuild grants are awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor through a competitive process to local nonprofit organizations. The grant is renewed based on meeting the program’s guidelines.

“This is a great opportunity to partner with organizations within our community to provide NCCER approved curriculums to the students as a means to enter the job market with employable skills in the construction industry while pursuing apprenticeship licenses in several trades,” said ABC of Greater Michigan Chapter President Jimmy Greene. “We are excited to continue our tried and tested efforts to train youth in an urban environment and are proud to be a YouthBuild training partner.”