Big Opportunity for Bronx Youth With Entry Into Construction Industry

This is an excellent opportunity for our Bronx youth (or anyone in NYC) between the ages of 18-24 who are seeking a pathway into the construction industry. Urban Upbound is providing an amazing opportunity to these individuals from training, workshops, job shadowing, and job placement with partners.

With construction booming in NYC and average construction wage of $76,000 a year in our area, this program is exactly what is needed. See below for more information from Urban Upbound.

Urban Upbound’s mission is to break cycles of poverty in New York City public housing neighborhoods by providing low- and moderate-income residents with the tools and resources needed to achieve economic mobility, self-efficacy, and self-sufficiency. Urban Upbound’s comprehensive, integrated programs–employment services, financial counseling, youth services, neighborhood revitalization, and financial services target residents of New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) public housing neighborhoods in Queens, including Long Island City, Astoria, and Far Rockaway and the surrounding boroughs.

In recent years Urban Upbound has expanded its reach to young adults, we have implanted youth development initiatives throughout our programs. Most recently with a one-year grant, Urban Upbound will launch its Exploration in Construction (EPIC) program in February 2017. Exploration In Construction training will allow participants to learn soft and hard workplace skills to obtain construction jobs and pursue an additional education that will get them on the path to economic prosperity. The training will be an 8-week certification program, where youth (18-24) who are facing the challenge of unemployment, limited educational attainment, and financial exclusion, will learn construction skills and other relevant academic, financial, and workplace skills. This credential will make youth enrolled in our employment services programs competitive for job opportunities being provided by our construction partners.

The program will incorporate problem-solving skills, project oriented mindsets, multi-tasking abilities; regard for safety rules, strong work habits, communication skills; and any specific hard skills (e.g. OSHA-10, NCCER) required for specific positions. EPIC will be offered in 8-week cycles at our 3 sites: Long Island City, Astoria, and Far Rockaway. EPIC will serve participants and provide them with fundamental adult basic education skills (e.g. literacy, math, writing) within the context of construction-related topics. Participants will hone and practice academic skills (study skills, time management, listening, group work), socio-emotional skills (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationships, decision making), workplace (communication, teamwork, problem-solving), and job search skills (resume, mock interviewing, networking with employers). In total, participants will be provided with 168-hours of construction-related ABE and 112-hours of supplemental educational services, including field trips, college and career exploration activities, job shadows, library research, and online instruction.

The program is an 8-week training with job placement upon program completion. The Exploration in Construction program provides career pathways, credential attainment, and supportive services to young adults who may face difficulties obtaining employment. Through partnerships, workshops, and job shadowing, participants gain hands-on work experience. They also develop academic, career, and life skills that lead to lifelong success.

Our program includes:

Job readiness training
College readiness training
GED/HSE and high school diploma assistance
Nationally recognized certifications and credentials ( i.e. 10-HR OSHA)
Supportive services
Leadership and soft skills training
Job placement upon program completion

Who Qualifies?
This program is designed for youth ages 18 to 24, who are looking to obtain skills, credentials and employment in the construction industry. There is no work experience necessary and no educational requirement. We also welcome individuals who are facing the following:

• Limited literacy skills
• No high school diploma or GED
• Homeless, runaway, or foster child
• Pregnant or parenting young adult
• Involvement within the Criminal Justice System
• Have a disability
• Lack necessary work readiness skills
• Unemployed
• Underemployed
• Looking to obtain new or improve on current skills

For more information contact:

Danielle Lorenzo, Assistant Director of Youth Career Pathways

danielle@urbanupbound.org;
(718) 784-0877 ext. 354