Goodwill Omaha — YouthBuild: Construction Pre-Apprenticeship + GED Completion (Free, Ages 16–24)

About This Opportunity

Goodwill Omaha's YouthBuild program is one of the most important free resources in this city for young people who have left school without a diploma and want a real path into the trades. YouthBuild is a nationally recognized model that combines two things that are usually kept separate: academic credential completion (GED or high school diploma) and real construction trades pre-apprenticeship training — in the same program, at the same time, for free. Participants build actual houses for low-income and homeless individuals. The construction work is the training. By the time you finish, you have both your academic credential and hands-on construction experience that can open the door to a registered apprenticeship with IBEW, the Carpenters, the Laborers, or other union trades. The program runs Monday through Friday, 9am to 4pm. It is designed for at-risk youth ages 16–24 who do not have a high school diploma. The program is free. This is not a community service program — it is a career-building program that takes the most significant structural barrier that keeps young people out of the trades (no diploma + no experience) and eliminates both at once. Contact Goodwill Omaha for current enrollment and intake information.

Who Can Apply

Ages 16–24. Must not have a high school diploma (working toward GED or diploma through the program). At-risk youth — specific eligibility criteria apply. Free program. Monday–Friday 9am–4pm. Contact Goodwill Omaha: goodwillomaha.org/programs/ or call Goodwill Omaha for current enrollment intake information.