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.
Get In TouchApprenticeship vs. College: College is a great option for many fields, but entering the trades allows you to start earning and gaining experience more quickly. The chart below lays out the potential earning timeline as you develop your skills as an apprentice.
$22 - $29/hour to start
$45,760 - $60,320 + benefits/pension
$47,113 - $62,130 + benefits/pension
$48,547 - $63,993 + benefits/pension
$50,003 - $65,913 + benefits/pension
$191,443 - $252,356 Earnings + Benefits/Pension
4 years in the industry Journey-level craftsperson
Tuition ($17,772) and Room/Board ($16,807) Total - $34.579
Tuition ($17,772) and Room/Board ($16,807) Total - $34.579
Tuition ($18,305) and Room/Board ($17,311) Total - $32,422
Tuition ($18,854) and Room/Board ($17,831) Total - $33,394
Tuition ($19,420) and Room/Board ($18,365) Total - $34,397
Tuition ($74,351) and Room/Board ($70,314) $144,665 in Debt + College Degree
0 years in the industry (not including Internship time)
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:
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.
Discover the benefits of a career in trades:
SkillsBuild is a 6-week program at the New England Laborers’ Training Center (NELTC), designed to prepare young adults with hands-on experience and classroom learning for a state-registered building trades apprenticeship or career in construction.
SkillsBuild introduces students to career opportunities and potential employment outside the traditional college route.
Through SkillsBuild, you will gain:
Interested in learning more about this year’s SkillsBuild program?
Interested in participating in our next Trades & Construction event?
Fill out the below form to stay up to date about the upcoming events we are hosting!