STRONG NEIGHBORHOODS
Give young adults access to sustainable careers
MCC’S YOUTHBUILD is a free-to-join career, learning, and life skills building program for Milwaukee residents ages 18-24. Through teaching skills in the trades, we build up young people so they can go on to lucrative careers, pursue their passions and thrive with the knowledge they need to support themselves, their loved ones and their communities for the rest of their lives.
Program Benefits
Expectations
– Members are expected to attend daily and arrive on time
– Monday – Thursday
– 9-4 p.m.
– Be in provided uniform on job sites
– Engage in training every day and have a positive attitude
– Serve our city!
Meet Our Site Supervisors
Cameron Bergen
“I had a late start in construction in my late 20’s, but have always had an interest in carpentry. So, when I was presented with the opportunity to enroll in a four-year apprenticeship, I was all in. After completing the four years and obtaining my journeyman’s card, I was extremely grateful for the opportunity that started with just one person believing in me. That’s why YouthBuild is important to me because it gives me a chance to be a part of giving back to young adults and hopefully giving someone an opportunity that was once given to me.
-Cameron
I’ve now spent almost a decade building new homes, residential additions, and commercial and residential remodeling. I love this career because it gives me a chance to meet so many different people while building homes for them and their families. My hobby is my career and for that I am truly thankful. If I’m not building or in the shop, I have a wife and two daughters I love spending time with. My life can be summed up in two words: carpentry and family.”
Orlando Acevedo
“I began my apprenticeship in 2003 and went on to be a commercial carpenter for the union for about 15 years until I began rehabbing houses for resale. I started working with MCC’s YouthBuild because I wanted to help revitalize the neighborhoods in which I grew up in while teaching young adults building skills and introducing them to the construction world. I look forward to growing the program and continuing to give the members educational training while empowering them to overcome challenges.
-Orlando
In my free time, you’ll either find me in my garage working on building projects or in my basement workshop creating various items like miscellaneous wood crafts.”
How Can I Support?
Program Partners:
YouthBuild is funded by the Corporation for National and Community Service, the Department of Labor (through a partnership with Employ Milwaukee) the City of Milwaukee Community Development Grants Administration, HUD, and others.
