Aged 16 to 24
YouthBuild is a youth program and the age range is set by the program itself. If you are older, Trades Futures is the same training without the age ceiling.
Program · Ages 16–24
YouthBuild
Half your time in the classroom, half of it on tools. YouthBuild is for young adults who left school without the credential they needed and want a career in the skilled trades — not another job.
How the schedule works
Education and construction, side by side
The YouthBuild model splits the week. One half is classroom time working toward a high school diploma or GED. The other half is construction training — the Multi-Craft Core Curriculum, OSHA safety, welding, and equipment.
You are not choosing between finishing school and starting a trade. The whole point of the program is that you do both at once, and leave with the credentials for each.
Eligibility
Who YouthBuild is for
Nothing on this list disqualifies you on its own. If you are close, apply and let us work it out with you.
Georgia resident
The Academy is in downtown Atlanta and serves Georgians. Getting here matters — ask us about transportation support when you apply.
A diploma or GED
Not having one is often the reason to come. The education half of the program exists to get you that credential while you train.
What to expect
The shape of the program
Classroom and shop
Trade math, blueprint reading, and tools in the classroom; welding and equipment operation in the shop. The MC3 curriculum is the spine of it.
Your education credential
Diploma or GED preparation runs alongside the trade training rather than after it, with instructors on staff at the Academy.
Safety first, always
OSHA certification and First Aid/CPR/AED are not add-ons. They are the baseline every contractor checks before you walk onto a site.
Life logistics
Driver’s education, 4 Wheels 4 Work, and Insure The Ride address the practical barriers that end careers before they start.
Union introduction
You meet the trades directly — the people, the halls, and the apprenticeship committees you will be applying to.
Placement support
Graduating is the middle of the process, not the end. We work the application into apprenticeship with you.
Applications are open
There is no cost to apply and no cost to attend. Call 404-584-0005 or start online.
Start your application