MANGILAO (GCC) — Guam Community College has been awarded $1.3 million from the U.S. Department of Labor to develop and implement a “YouthBuild” program. The award will support training employment services for young adults and increase apprenticeships in high-demand fields. The YouthBuild program is designed for 18 to 24-year-olds who do not have a high school diploma.
During the 32-week program, up to 66 participants will spend half their time working with the GCC Adult Basic Education program to earn a GED or complete their high school diploma requirements. The participants will use the other half of their time learning construction trades. The trades training will culminate with participants building two houses for use in low-income rental properties.
GCC’s industry partner for the grant, Micronesian Community Development Corporation, will provide two housing sites for the new construction of two homes with two bedrooms and one bath. MCDC will provide all materials and supplies for constructing the homes. MCDC is a 501(c)3 organization that builds and manages low-income properties on Guam.
In addition to the training, participants will receive a stipend to help them with living expenses during their 32 weeks. The goal is for the program participants who complete the program to have earned a high school diploma or equivalent and be employed through an apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship program will place the participants on a track to earn a journey worker certificate.
This grant award advances efforts to expand apprenticeships and develop Guam’s workforce to meet the needs of the construction industry. Individuals interested in the program should contact the GCC Continuing Education Workforce Development program at learning4life@guamcc.edu or call (671) 735-5640 ext. 5572 to be placed on the list of potential program participants.
