"Guaranteed to have a job when you finish:" YouthBuild program helps at-risk adults build a better life

MILWAUKEE -- A partnership between several Milwaukee organizations is working to get at-risk adults valuable work experience while earning a GED -- and there's a big push to get the applications filled out.

It's called the 'YouthBuild' program which gives young adults 16 to 24-years-old, an education in construction trades experience that will give hard-to-employ residents a better shot at landing a full-time job.

Teams around the city hit the pavement on Saturday, October 31st to hand deliver applications for the program.

YouthBuild

"What we are going to be doing is offering a 15-week course at MATC, guaranteed to have a job when you finish the course," said Carolyn Anderson, Mrs. Milwaukee.

Carolyn Anderson

Who applies? The criteria is specific: current or former foster youth, someone with a criminal record, or has an incarcerated parent, individuals with a disability and others.

"It is particularly for carpentry and our organization provides the soft skills -- so how do you interview, how do you dress, how to answer the right questions," said Anderson.

The program is offered through a partnership between 'Life Transformation Center,' and the Milwaukee Area Technical College.

"Everyone has to be a voice for this because it is a good effort and we need to turn it from an effort to progress," said Mario Dickens, pastor.

YouthBuild

Alderman Joe Davis says programs like this have an incredible return for communities.

"Once we start one by one and we bring folks into the workforce, men can be better fathers and women can be better mothers," said Davis.

Several hundred applications were handed out but if you know somebody who may qualify, there are still plenty of applications left . They hope to have roughly 3,000 people in the program.

If you are interested in learning more about the 'YouthBuild' program, CLICK HERE.