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IWOWS, I Want Out of the Welfare System
Trainees building construction and green-workforce skills on a hands-on project

Build People and Communities

Hands-On Skills for Careers, Housing, and Community Improvement

This initiative connects construction and green-workforce training to paid work experience, contractor development, tiny home production, energy efficiency, and visible community improvement.

Sponsor a Training CohortPartner on a Build

Green Workforce, Construction & Tiny Home is the skilled-trades and green-building initiative of the IWOWS ecosystem, powered by Ideal Education. It connects hands-on training in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, weatherization, and tiny home production to paid work experience, contractor development, and visible community improvement.

Training That Produces Something Real

Construction training becomes more meaningful when participants can apply their skills to an actual structure or community project. The Green Workforce, Construction & Tiny Home initiative combines:

Technical instructionSafetyHands-on labsIndustry credentialsPaid work-based learningEmployer partnershipsEntrepreneurshipCommunity construction projectsHousing innovation

Participants learn how individual trades work together while developing the professional discipline required on a real jobsite.

Training Pathways

Carpentry

Framing, measuring, materials, tools, doors, windows, interior systems, and finish work.

Electrical

Electrical theory, circuits, wiring practices, safety, tools, and introductory installation skills.

Plumbing

Water systems, drainage, fixtures, piping, tools, codes, and introductory installation skills.

HVAC and Refrigeration

Heating, cooling, ventilation, refrigeration fundamentals, diagnostics, maintenance, and safety.

Construction Management

Blueprints, estimating, scheduling, project coordination, contracts, documentation, quality control, and cost awareness.

Green Workforce

Energy efficiency, weatherization, building performance, sustainable materials, retrofits, and green-building practices.

Tiny Home Building

Integrated design and construction of compact structures through a complete project-based learning experience.

The Tiny Home as a Learning Lab

A tiny home can serve as a whole-building laboratory. Participants can experience:

Planning and designBlueprint readingFramingRoofingInsulationElectrical systemsPlumbing systemsHVACInterior finishesEnergy efficiencyInspection readinessProject managementMarketing and sales

The completed structure also creates an asset with potential social, educational, demonstration, or commercial value.

Who We Serve

This initiative can serve:

High school studentsAdult learnersCareer changersPublic assistance recipientsUnemployed or underemployed adultsReturning citizensAspiring contractorsExisting trades workers seeking advancementYoung adultsCommunity residentsSchools and youth programs

Employer and Community Partnerships

Partners can:

Host work-based learningHire graduatesDonate tools or materialsProvide instructorsSponsor certificationsProvide a building siteCommission a tiny homeSponsor a community improvement projectSupport weatherization workMentor future contractorsJoin a trades advisory councilFund equipment and labs

Outcomes We Seek

The initiative is designed to improve:

Construction competencySafety credentialsIndustry certificationsPaid work experienceApprenticeship entryEmploymentContractor readinessProject completionGreen-building literacyCommunity assets createdHousing innovationWage progression

Results We Report

As cohorts build, the initiative reports verified data for:

Trainees enrolledCredentials earnedPaid hoursWages earnedApprenticeshipsJob placementsBuild projects completedTiny homes producedMaterials donatedEmployers engagedContractors launched

Get involved

Help Build Skills, Careers, Homes, and Communities

Sponsor a cohort, donate materials, commission a project, host trainees, or hire graduates.

Sponsor a BuildHire or Host Trainees