YouthBuild Holds Graduation Ceremony in Petoskey

YouthBuild is a national program that trains high school drop-out youth, ages 18 to 24, in the construction trades. Hands-on learning takes place in building affordable housing within the community. The youth spend 50% of their time on academics--obtaining a high school diploma or preparing for the GED.

The program is administered in northwest lower Michigan as a program of Northwest Michigan Council of Governments through its Northwest Michigan Works! system which provides services for workforce development and employers.

To make sure future participants are successful in the program, supportive services will be provided by Northwest Michigan Works! In addition to the long-term career planning offered to all customers, Michigan Works! may be able to assist YouthBuild students with reliable transportation, affordable child care, and other family issues that can otherwise be barriers to success.

A truly unique aspect of YouthBuild Northwest is the integration of leadership skills in every component of the program. The youth will learn conflict resolution, peer mentoring, and appropriate workplace behaviors every day. Community leaders will visit the students from time to time, sharing their own struggles and successes--and encouraging forward momentum.

In 2009, the region's first YouthBuild Northwest class began in Manistee. The program later expanded to include sites in Traverse City and Beaver Island. At this time, YouthBuild Northwest is running programs in Petoskey and Cadillac. To learn more about the program, contact your local Northwest Michigan Works! Service Center or a Northwest Michigan Works! Youth Advisor.

See more YouthBuild Petoskey graduation photos on Facebook.