YouthBuild Blueprint: Occupational Training

Those programs with DOL-approved Construction Plus (C+) training components must provide construction training per the requirements above and on-site training for participants in the approved C+ industries per their Statement of Work.

Industry-Recognized Credential

DOL YouthBuild programs must offer participants the opportunity to attain a portable, stackable industry-recognized credential in construction and any approved C+ industries. TEN 25-19 provides additional guidance for portable and stackable industry-recognized credentials.

The three construction industry-recognized credentials most frequently offered by YouthBuild programs are Home Builder's Institute (HBI) Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT), National Center for Construction Education and Research Core, and Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3). Recognized credentials such as these are portable and have been developed with extensive industry input. They meet the definition of a credential for DOL Credential Attainment outcomes and may be beneficial to YouthBuild participants. Read more about construction credentials in the YouthBuild Construction Credential Overview Guide.

The industry-recognized credentials for C+ components will vary based on the industry. However, they should still adhere to the guidance provided in TEN 25-19 in determining which certifications rise to the level of an industry-recognized credential for a C+ training.

Construction Safety

Safety is a crucial part of the construction element of your YouthBuild program. To promote the safety and health of youth working on YouthBuild projects, DOL requires that YouthBuild grantees:

• Provide comprehensive safety training for youth working on YouthBuild construction projects;
• Have written, job-site-specific safety plans overseen by an on-site supervisor with authority to enforce safety procedures;
• Provide necessary personal protective equipment to youth working on YouthBuild projects; and
• Submit the OSHA 301 Injury and Illness Incident Report to DOL within seven days of any reportable injury suffered by a YouthBuild participant. Reportable injuries include those that result in death, days away from work, restricted work, transfer to another job, medical treatment beyond first aid, or loss of consciousness.

Federal and state health and safety standards apply to YouthBuild participants. Such standards include laws governing child labor prohibiting youth ages 16 and 17 from working in identified hazardous occupations. Occupations prohibited for 16- and 17-year-olds under these "hazardous orders" relating to construction include, but are not limited to:

• Operating circular saws;
• Working on or about roofs demolition;
• Work excavating and trenching;
• Operating a forklift or a hoist;
• Operating power-driven woodworking machines; and
• Driving a motor vehicle on the job.

Health and safety standards applicable to YouthBuild projects also include using OSHA 300, 300A and 301 forms, or equivalent forms, for recording injuries and illnesses. The OSHA 300 form is called the Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses; the 300A is the Summary of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses; and the OSHA 301 form is called the Injury and Illness Incident Report. Copies of the forms are available online.

Work Site Considerations

Ideally, the work site you have selected will have several positive attributes. If possible, it should be a site where your participants have the opportunity to participate in all phases of the construction or C+ industry. This gives participants exposure to many different elements of the field and encourages a greater sense of ownership and pride in project progress. There are other logistics to consider during the planning phase:

• Is there enough room at the work site to conduct training for all participants?
• How will weather affect construction or training?
• How will staff and participants get from the classroom to the work site?
• How will tools and materials be transported and kept secure?

Your Statement of Work (SOW) is your organization's proposal submitted to DOL for funding. It contains a detailed description of the work site you proposed to DOL. If for any reason you must change the site you are using for your on-site training, you will have to submit a modification to your grant agreement. Contact your FPO for information on how to do this.

Related Resources

• Best Practices for Effective Work Site Management
• Construction Training at a YouthBuild Program
• Hiring a YouthBuild Construction Trainer
• Construction Staff Qualifications Tip Sheet
• YouthBuild Construction Plus Guide
• OSHA General Industry Trainings for YouthBuild Instructors
• C+ 101 Training Series: Building Strong Pre-Apprenticeship Pathways for High-Demand Careers 

Return to YouthBuild Blueprint

• Last Updated:
• Created:
• Posted by: YouthBuild TA
• Posted in: YouthBuild