Through dynamic partnerships with local training organizations, Urban Homeworks equips women, men and youth with the skills needed for gainful employment in the construction industry. Using our sites as a classroom, skilled trainers take participants through a training program that teaches them the basics of construction such as tool usage, construction techniques, theory and basic job skills. The work has varied from gutting out distressed properties, to building ICF foundations and framing, using advanced construction techniques. Starting salaries in the construction and carpentry trades are much higher than typical entry-level jobs. Training addresses the income side of the affordable housing equation.

Patrick’s Story

Patrick is a young man with an eye on the future. He is a recent graduate of the YouthBuild construction training partnership between Urban Homeworks, Tree Trust and Minnesota Internship Center. “I’m better off. My mind is stronger. I feel more confident and I don’t have to be nervous.” In addition to these organizations, Urban Homeworks has also partnered with Goodwill Easter Seals and Under Construction, a Minneapolis Public Schools Partnership, to train community members with job and construction skills so that they understand the options they have. After each person completes training on our site, the goal is that they go onto further employment or education. The training program is a stepping stone moving these individuals toward employability and out of dependence on social services.

Current Training Partners