Programs
Trade Skills and So Much More
In the workplace as in life, hard skills can take a person only so far. That’s why our Skilled Trades Training Program will deliver a thoughtful curriculum that highlights soft skills and entrepreneurial training in addition to trade skills. In this way, students will gain not only valuable technical skills and work experience, but also the academic and personal skills needed to be successful in whatever path they choose after high school. Some may start earning a livable wage in their chosen trade even before they graduate from high school.
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Current & Upcoming Programming
Summer Programs for Middle School Youth (ages 12 – 15)
Careerforce Build UP! Summer Camp
Session 1: Jun. 17 – Jun. 28 Session 2: Jul. 8 – Jul. 12 Session 3: Jul. 22 – Aug. 2 Session 4: Aug. 5 – Aug. 16
Participate in a variety of Boys and Girls Clubs curriculum such as Money Matters, Skilled Trades, CareerLaunch, and Triple Play. At the end of the week, vote on a fun field trip such as kayaking, arcade, swimming pool, and more! Earn up to $100 for successfully completing one session!
MMSD Construction Academy: Electricians
July 9 – July 11 10:00a – 1:30p
Learn how to work with electrical systems like wiring outlets and creating light fixtures. Visit local electrical companies and talk to professionals who can tell you what skills and traits you need to be successful in this job. *MMSD students only*
MMSD Business and Entrepreneurship Academy
June 24 – June 27 9:30a – 2:30p
Students will learn all about the entrepreneurial process. Explore, identify, and evaluate a variety of business concepts, business practices, and business ideas, all while coming up with a concept for your own small business! Students will have the opportunity to earn a $50 gift card. *MMSD students only*
MMSD Construction Academy: Plumbers
July 23 – July 25 10:00a – 1:30p
Work with water, pipes, and more through a variety of fun and engaging activities! Students will go to on-site visits to local plumbing companies, learn how to replace basic fixtures, plus create your own sprinklers and marshmallow shooters. *MMSD students only*
MMSD Construction Academy: Carpenters
June 25 – June 27 10:00a – 1:30p
Learn the basics of planning, building, and using tools. Get the opportunity to work with wood, cement, and other construction tasks. Go on site visits and learn from industry professionals, while learning valuable skills that will help you in your future career. *MMSD students only*
Conservation Camp at UW Arboretum
August 7 – August 9 10:00a – 12:00p
Learn more about your environment, nature, and invasive plant species! Learn how to remove invasive species, learn the skills to maintain small shrubs and bushes, and learn all about the natural environment. Earn $50 for successfully completing the program!
Summer Programs for High School Youth (ages 16 – 18)
Landscaping Camp
June 17 – June 21 9:00a – 12:00p
Learn an introduction to plants, seed growth, and soil science. Get experience in outdoor planting and plant care, and explore the use of mulch and rocks. Plus, meet with landscaping companies interested in hiring summer help! Earn $50 for successfully completing the program!
BLAZE: Girl Trailblazers in the Trades
July 15 – July 19 9:00a – 3:00p
Explore the construction trades through hands-on experiences with carpentry, framing, doors and windows, concrete work, siding and roofing, painting, and more! Earn $50 for successfully completing the program! *This program is intended for female or non-binary youth.*
Electricians Camp
August 13 – August 15 3:00p – 6:00p
Learn all about the life of an electrician with hands-on experience in basic safety and codes, pipe bending, circuits and diagramming, and electrical math. Earn $50 for successfully completing the program!
Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program
June 18 – August 16 Tue + Wed | 9:00a – 3:00p Thu + Fri | 8:00a – 3:00p
Explore trades in the construction industry, learn construction terminology, practice using tools safely, and receive certifications in OSHA-10, first aid/CPR/AED, fall protection, and flagging. Earn up to $1,000 for successfully completing the program!
Construction Laborers Camp
July 29 – August 1 9:00a – 12:00p
Learn all about how to be a laborer with hands-on projects in concrete, masonry, scaffolding, flagging, and layout. Earn $50 for successfully completing the program!
Auto Mechanic Camp
July 9 – July 11 10:00a – 1:30p
Learn about careers in the automotive industry and basic auto maintenance, such as how to change your oil, how to change your tires, and how to change your brakes. Earn $50 for successfully completing the program!
Conservation Camp at UW Arboretum
August 7 – August 9 10:00a – 12:00p
Learn more about your environment, nature, and invasive plant species! Learn how to remove invasive species, learn the skills to maintain small shrubs and bushes, and learn all about the natural environment. Earn $50 for successfully completing the program!
Deepening the Impact
Making a Difference
To further deepen the impact of the McKenzie Regional Workforce Center & the skilled trades training programming, Boys & Girls Clubs of Dane County is:
Reapplying proven academic and mentoring success strategies learned during our 12 years of AVID/TOPS programming as documented through an independent university study.
Partnering with the Madison Area Builders Association, local unions, and other residential and commercial building companies and organizations to ensure young adults are prepared for professional success in skilled trades.
Actively engaging investors that are committed to eliminating barriers for youth from low-income communities to achieve career and financial success through skilled trades jobs.
Skilled Trades Training
Trade Skills Training will teach students the hard skills they’ll need to pursue careers as plumbers, carpenters, electricians, HVAC technicians, and more.
Soft Skills Training
Soft-skills training will provide students with social, emotional, and learning support to assist them with transitioning to the workforce.
Youth Entrepreneur Training
Youth entrepreneurial classes will prepare students to launch their own independent businesses as well as build income and wealth.
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Your investment will change the lives of countless young people, their families, and our community. We thank you so much for your generous donation.