The Escambia County Workforce Development division invites youth ages 16-24 looking to receive paid work experience in the construction industry to the Block-by-Block Youth Construction Symposium Thursday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Brownsville Community Center, 3200 W. Desoto St. One or more Escambia County Commissioners may be in attendance.
During the symposium, the Escambia County Workforce Development division will recruit prospective youth trainees and provide detailed information regarding the Block-by-Block construction trades program. Representatives from CareerSource Escarosa, Pensacola State College, and George Stone Technical College will be available to speak to attendees about on-the-job training opportunities and programs, scholarship opportunities, apprenticeships and more. Representatives from AMI Kids will also be available to provide information about the Youth Build Program. In addition, county staff will be on-site to answer questions about current county job openings and to assist with the application process.
The Block-by-Block Project began as a partnership between District 3 Commissioner Lumon May and AMI Kids in March 2022 to renovate the county-owned Brownsville House at 3210 W Gonzalez St. With the help from Duggins Services, AMI Kids volunteers, youth ages 16-24, completed flooring, carpentry, painting, HVAC installation and fencing improvements to the home. Read more about the Brownsville House renovation project here.
The project has now expanded into the Block-by-Block Program, an initiative open to Escambia County youth ages 16-24 interested in starting a career in the construction industry. Qualified applicants will attend six-week courses in the construction industry with the goal of attaining a basic certification and high-paying jobs. No experience is necessary, and applicants are not required to have a high school diploma or a GED. Applicants must be able to pass a drug test and remain drug-free.
For more information about the Block-by-Block symposium or program, please contact Joseph Glover at 850-572-1938 or jaglover@myescambia.com.
