• Cornerstone Craftsman’s apprenticeship program provides at-risk youth (aged 12-17) the training and resources to learn the skilled trades such as safety, painting, installing dry-wall. Our unique program allows young men and women to build viable careers, earn a livable wage, and pursue economic self-sufficiency. By offering vocational career pathways, we are opening doors to alternative education routes needed for success.
• However, our apprentices gain far more than just vocational skills. They are exposed to real-world job sites with leading contractors and nationwide developers, engaging with residential and commercial businesses.
• They develop professional and social skills through community engagement activities, including volunteering at citywide events, attending council meetings, and interacting with local elected officials.
• We also offer mentoring, benevolent/support services, transportation, court advocacy, and ongoing family engagement.
• Soon, our instructors will offer comprehensive digital training and testing, entrepreneurship, and financial management education.

• We serve at-risk teens 12-17 from underserved communities.
• Among the 14 participants currently enrolled in the program are 12 Black males and two Latino males.
• The waitlist comprises 30 individuals, primarily Black and Latino males, along with two Latina females.
• There are two Latino male instructors and one female Latina instructor.

What skilled trades does Cornerstone Craftsman teach or plan to teach in its apprenticeship program?

Description and Estimated No. of Training Days

1. Introduction to OSHA standards and safety practices (4 days)
2. Understanding of different protective coverings and protective covering applications (3 days)
3. Introduction to project materials (1-2 days)
4. Understanding of tools, including mastering the proper techniques for each tool and learning how to operate them effectively (1.5-2 weeks)
5. Learning the order of operations for building projects (1 week)
6. Basic, intermediate, to advanced drywall hanging and patching (2 weeks)
7. Basic, intermediate, to advanced plaster application skills, use of heat guns, and understanding of joint compound application and joint taping (1 week)
8. Basic, intermediate, to advanced finishing stages, which include knowledge of sanding grades and tools (i.e., sandpaper, sand blocks, and pole sanders) (2 weeks)
9. Surface area paint preparation and priming. Understanding selection of paint base applications and sheens along with proper brush techniques (30 Days)
10. Basic, intermediate, to advanced wood staining skills and understanding of stain bases (water vs oil, etc.) (25 Days)
11. Basic carpentry skills (2 weeks)
12. Basic residential demolition; proper disposal of materials, i.e., drywall, title, concrete removal (30 Days)
13. Basic welding; understanding of welding materials and tools (30 Days)
14. Basics of residential plumbing (40 Days)
15. Basic, intermediate, to advanced electrical theory and understanding of NEC code (6 months)
16. Project and material cost estimations and standard mathematics (60 Days)
17. Understanding residential blueprints (30 days)

A class typically lasts 4 to 6 hours and focuses on the day’s lesson plans aligned with the curriculum. The lessons are structured in distinct phases, allowing participants to explore various facets of the skilled trades industry. Pre-apprentices gain a solid understanding of trade standards and develop the skills to work independently and to complete a job successfully.

• Cornerstone Craftsman is currently transitioning its facilities. Our workshop was at 669 John Carlyle Street, Alexandria, VA 22301, for about a year through an in-kind donation from the Alexandria Police Department. We are currently in conversations with the City of Alexandria about donated space.

Cornerstone is working on MOUs with the Pipe Fitters, Electrical, and Carpenter’s Unions, where young people who go through our program can be referred for employment. Cornerstone is also in conversations with a handful of developers and construction companies about employee opportunities.

• Cornerstone’s pre-apprenticeship program is available to any young man or woman aged 12 to 17.
• Participants age out when they can legally work full-time at age 18. Cornerstone stays in touch with participants and is committed to helping them graduate from HS, GED, and find full-time work in the trades.
• Our end goal is for each and every one of our pre-apprentices to have the opportunity to earn a livable wage and build a viable career in the trades.

• The apprenticeship is free for participants. Currently, Cornerstone Craftsman provides paid wages, transportation, and meals while in the apprenticeship program.