UnCommon Construction teaches high schoolers building skills and life lessons
In the 7th Ward of New Orleans, on what was once a vacant lot in the 1800 block of Touro street, a most uncommon construction crew is hard at work framing walls, building roof trusses and installing siding on a three-bedroom house that will eventually include recessed lighting, bamboo floors and double French doors leading to the front porch.
The average age of this crew is about 17, and all of them are in high school.
Once the house is completed, they will sell it for a fair market price and start on their next house.
In the 7th Ward of New Orleans, on what was once a vacant lot in the 1800 block of Touro street, a most uncommon construction crew is hard at work framing walls, building roof trusses and installing siding on a three-bedroom house that will eventually include recessed lighting, bamboo floors and double French doors leading to the front porch.
Higher level skills
Aaron Frumin, founder and executive director of uCC, said the program engages young people while they are in school, before they might become disengaged and drop out.
While students are taught hands-on construction skills, the most important lessons are the soft skills learned on the job such as time management and problem-solving.
“These are skills that are transferrable and universally applicable in different work environments in multiple industries,” Frumin said. “And they happen to be very observable on a construction site.”