Build Academy
Paid construction job training
Caden, 2022 Build Academy graduate (right)
About Build Academy
The Operation Fresh Start Build Academy is a full-time, hands-on, paid training program for ages 18–24. You’ll earn a starting wage of $15/hour while training for a construction career. You’ll have the opportunity to train alongside industry professionals, gaining skills while also building your professional network. You’ll learn to meet industry standards of craftsmanship and speed, as well as earn credentials that construction employers are looking for. Successful program completion includes placement into a self-sustaining career in the trades.
Eligibility
Ages 18–24
High school diploma or GED/HSED required
Must have the ability to work on your feet, bend, and lift weight of 50 pounds
Must have the ability to achieve and maintain consistent attendance and punctuality
No prior construction experience required
Program Outcomes
What are you looking to achieve? Build Academy can help you reach all of these goals and more!
Hands-on Training
Hands-on construction training alongside industry professionals
Earn While You Learn
$15/hour starting training wage
Build Your Resume
Earn credentials to build a competitive resume, including a driver’s license (if needed)
Set and Achieve Your Goals
Work with OFS staff to set and review personal and professional goals
Build and Strengthen Connections
Build connections with local employers
More About Build Academy
Build Academy members work 32 hours per week, Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am to 4 pm. Crew members must provide their own professional work attire. Operation Fresh Start will provide the necessary tools and equipment. A Social Security card and government photo ID are required before date of hire. OFS staff are ready to assist in acquiring these forms of documentation.
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No prior construction experience is required. You will get paid to train on various construction projects, with placement on a Tier 1 or Tier 2 crew based on your experience level.
Tier 1
Build Academy Tier 1 members gain experience in residential construction, working on home renovations or new-construction projects. Earn certifications in OSHA 10 safety and fall protection, first aid and CPR, and a pre-apprenticeship certification from the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards.
You’ll also gain construction math and employability skills and get support with earning your driver’s license, if needed. Upon earning the necessary credentials and achieving proficiency in certain construction skills, you’ll move up to Tier 2.
Tier 2
Build Academy Tier 2 members gain experience in commercial construction, working alongside industry professionals on multi-million dollar projects. Build job search skills, work on a career transition plan and job shadow with local employers.
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You’ll also learn how to meet efficiency standards on a commercial work site. Successful completion of Build Academy includes placement and retention into a full-time construction career.
Our Process at Build Academy
Legacy Graduates
High School Graduates
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Including referrals from BIG STEP, Urban League, and Latino Academy
Recruitment
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Tool ID, safety and maintenance
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Basic carpentry fundamentals
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Construction industry awareness
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Employability skills
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Begin hands-on, residential construction training
Mental Toughness
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OSHA-10
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First Aid/CPR
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Driver’s license (as needed)
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Training center visits with BIG STEP
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Construction math
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Layout
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Blueprint reading
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Identify apprenticeship path or specialization
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Pre-Apprenticeship Certification
Tier 1
Residential Construction
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Construction culture
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Expertise & efficiency of production on job site
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MC3 Certification curriculum hours (as needed)
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Job search & interview skills
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Job shadowing
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Career transition planning
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Apprenticeship Aptitude test
Tier 2
Commercial Construction
Placement and retention into a full-time construction career.
Result
Build Academy Testimonials
“Wisconsin’s record-low unemployment rate demonstrates the strength of the state’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. At the same time, long-term demographic trends have been exacerbated by the pandemic and many employers find it difficult to fill job openings. The ideas and partnerships we heard about today reflect the innovative thinking and collaboration that will be critical to remove employment barriers and connect workers in the region with sustainable, family-supporting jobs. We applaud the work of Operation Fresh Start and their partners.”
Amy Pechacek
Secretary-designee, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Partners & Grant Support
Operation Fresh Start would like to thank our Build Academy partners! Build Academy is primarily funded by a three-year, $3.3 million Workforce Innovation Grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and the Department of Workforce Development.
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The following partners provide co-enrollment, training components and job shadowing experiences to Build Academy participants. They also assist with job placement / retention services or financial support.
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