Here's a chance to learn a skilled trade in Tacoma and earn your GED

TACOMA, Wash. — Tacoma Goodwill’s YouthBuild is set to distribute 44 scholarships to a construction-training program in April.

There’s still time to apply.

The program offers free construction training along with a chance for participants ages 18 to 24 to earn their GED. The bulk of the training funding comes from U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.

This week, Sound Transit is being recognized for donating a $50,000 indoor training lab to the program.

According to Goodwill’s news release: “Thanks to Sound Transit, our new 4,000-square-foot indoor construction lab at Goodwill’s regional headquarters includes separate kitchen and bathroom modules where students can learn cabinet installation, flooring, plumbing and window installation.

“Also within the lab is a 300-square-foot house and additional structure to work on framing, siding, Sheetrock, insulation, roofing and lighting.”

A year ago, it was reported that nearly a quarter of the skilled-jobs workforce is set to retire over the next decade.

Goodwill notes that the continuing worker shortage in the construction industry has led to entry-level positions in the field now starting at $20 to $25 an hour, with opportunities for quick advancement.

Click here to apply and click here to read the story on the Tacoma News Tribune.

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