Free construction skills training for kids down on their luck

What: YouthBuild Snohomish County information sessions

When: Sept. 2, 6, 9; times vary

Where: Marysville, Stanwood, Everett

Cost: Free

More info: Travis Green, 425-418-4540, travis.green@wdcsc.org

YouthBuild Snohomish County, a grant-funded program hosted by Workforce Development Council Snohomish County, Housing Hope and local community college partners, will host six upcoming information sessions for potential members.

YouthBuild Snohomish County, now in its second year, is a 10-month construction training program that offers paid work in housing construction, an opportunity to complete your GED at no cost, training in community leadership, personal support and advocacy, and assistance with finding a job upon program completion.

“YouthBuild has the potential to completely change a life,” said Travis Green, YouthBuild project coordinator. “In one year, participants can go from being unemployed without any credentials, to having a GED, a construction certificate, construction flagger training, and on-the-job work experience. In essence: fully prepared — and skilled — to start a career.”

Potential YouthBuild Snohomish County participants must be between 18 and 24 years old, unemployed and low income ($10,830 a year for a family of one), lacking a GED and interested in learning construction skills and helping their community.

Attendance at one of these information sessions is a mandatory first step to program enrollment. Sessions will be held on the following dates, times, and locations. Each session will last an hour.

11 a.m. Sept. 2, Marysville Goodwill, 9315 State Ave., Marysville

6 p.m. Sept. 2, The Station, 8713 271st St. NW, Stanwood

11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 6, WorkSource Youth Center (second floor), Everett Station, 3201 Smith Ave, Everett

4:30 p.m. Sept. 6, WorkSource Youth Center (2nd floor), Everett Station, 3201 Smith Ave, Everett

6:30 p.m. Sept. 9, The Station, 8713 271st St. NW, Stanwood