Trades & Construction Experience

Here at Youth Connections, we offer a variety of opportunities for anyone looking to break into the trade and construction industries. You'll find below details about our programs that can help you build connections, find apprenticeships, and get the hands-on experience you need to get started in high-demand career pathways, such as carpentry, electrical engineering, & construction operations.

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Apprenticeship vs College

While college is a great way to earn a degree and get experience for a wide array of fields. Entering the trades is also a great option for becoming a part of the workforce at a quicker rate. The chart below lays out the potential earning timeline as you develop your skills as an apprentice.

Apprenticeship (Union/Non-Union) Get paid for on the job training

Baseline Earnings (2080 hours/year)

$22 - $29/hour to start

Year 1

$45,760 - $60,320 + benefits/pension

Year 2 (3% Increase)

$47,113 - $62,130 + benefits/pension

Year 3 (3% Increase)

$48,547 - $63,993 + benefits/pension

Year 4 (3% Increase)

$50,003 - $65,913 + benefits/pension

Total Over 4 Years

$191,443 - $252,356 Earnings + Benefits/Pension

Work Experience

4 years in the industry Journey-level craftsperson

College (Umass Amherst 2024) Pay for classroom learning

Baseline annual cost for full-time

Tuition ($17,772) and Room/Board ($16,807) Total - $34.579

Year 1

Tuition ($17,772) and Room/Board ($16,807) Total - $34.579

Year 2 (3% Increase)

Tuition ($18,305) and Room/Board ($17,311) Total - $32,422

Year 3 (3% Increase)

Tuition ($18,854) and Room/Board ($17,831) Total - $33,394

Year 4 (3% Increase)

Tuition ($19,420) and Room/Board ($18,365) Total - $34,397

Total Over 4 Years

Tuition ($74,351) and Room/Board ($70,314) $144,665 in Debt + College Degree

Work Experience

0 years in the industry (not including Internship time)

Trades & Construction Expo

Our annual Trade & Construction Expo is designed to provide a hands-on and immersive experience in exploring various trade and construction occupations through engaging activities. The expo serves as a crucial platform, connecting students with potential employers and showcasing in-demand career pathways.

Some of the esteemed organizations you can meet with include:

  • Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC)
  • American Federation of Labor & Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO)
  • McGovern Auto Group
  • CMSC/Parker Driving School
Trades & Construction Expo

Tools for the Trade

Tools for the Trades is a 4-day exploratory program designed to introduce high school seniors to the many career choices in the construction and trade industries.This opportunity offers a hands-on curriculum allowing students to experience common tasks in a day’s work in many trades. Students will meet representatives from local building and construction trades, postsecondary training programs, and community colleges.

This unique opportunity lets you experience what it’s like to have a career in a high-demand field such as carpentry, electrical, operator engineering, laborers, and more.

You’ll learn how a career path in the trades provides:

  • Great starting wages
  • Hands-on work experience
  • Opportunities to learn while you earn
  • Jobs in high-demand fields
Tools for the Trade

Skills Build

Skills Build is a 6-week comprehensive exploratory program located on the grounds of the New England Laborers’ Training Center (NELTC). The program is designed to prepare young adults through classroom instruction and hands-on learning, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to enter into a state-registered building trades apprenticeship program. It also gives students the chance to enter a career track in the construction/trades industry.

SkillsBuild strives to expose students to career opportunities and the potential for gainful employment outside of the traditional college path.

Through SkillsBuild, you will gain:

  • Pre-apprenticeship in the laborers and potential access to Union opportunities
  • Exposure to several different trade fields through hands-on experience taught by seasoned professionals
  • A stipend for the duration of the program
  • Industry-recognized credentials during the program as well as certificates in 6 different areas of apprenticeship readiness
  • Introductory knowledge of unions and potential opportunities

Interested in learning more about this year’s SkillsBuild program?

Skills Build

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