unCommon Construction

unCommon Construction uses the build process to empower youth with the skills, network, resources, and experience to lead the workforce after high school or college.

At unCommon Construction, youth from various high schools and home school network apply to join a diverse team to earn hourly pay and school internship credit for working on technical builds in a semester. With the revenue from each project, apprentices also earn a matching "Equity Award Scholarship" for further education, industry certifications or the tools needed for long-term employment. Through more than 100 hours each semester, apprentices develop career awareness and exposure, technical, soft skills, and leadership abilities through a work-based learning experience in a real-world classroom. We partner with Industry partners to expose apprentices to a varied curriculum.

We are currently running programs in New Orleans and Minneapolis and are seeking to expand in the coming years. We also are currently renovating our campus at 1120 Freret St, which will serve as not only the headquarters for our young people, but also a community hub to serve people of all ages interested in learning and applying skills related to the trades.

We believe that construction isn't a consolation prize, but that the trades are building the foundations of young people's future.

Testimonials

"Becoming part of uCC has impacted me in two major ways. Building a true work ethic and being able to see the longevity of your position. When you're in high school, you might just see the short-term goals, but (uCC) has helped me find the network for long-term connections." - Jonathan Wilson, Alumni Apprentice

"I have to say, Saturday's Build Day was inspirational. I loved speaking with the young adults, hearing their stories, how they came to unCommon, what is fueling them and what they hope to do in the future. " - Nena, Build Day Volunteer