Building On The Trades

MakerspaceCT, a non-profit educational organization in Hartford, CT, is proud to offer "Building on the Trades", a comprehensive hands-on learning experience for young adults aged 18-29. This nine-week program, starting in October 2024, is designed to equip 20 participants with essential trade skills and safety knowledge, culminating in a meaningful community service project.

Schedule Overview

9 Sessions:

Two Saturday Sessions, October 5th & 12th, 9am-2pm

Seven Monday Sessions, October 21st - December 2nd, 6pm-8:30pm

Location:

36 Talcott Street, Hartford

Weeks 1 & 2: OSHA Certification

• Dates: October 5th & 12th (Saturdays)
• Time: 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• Location: Education Center
• Details: The program kicks off with a 10-hour OSHA safety course, spread over two Saturdays. This foundational training ensures that all participants are well-versed in workplace safety protocols.

Weeks 3-5: Safety and Basic Tool Use

• Dates: October 21st, 28th & November 4th (Mondays)
• Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
• Location: MakerspaceCT Metal, Machining, and Wood Shops
• Details: Students are divided into three groups, rotating through safety and basic tool use sessions in the Metal, Machining, and Wood Shops. Each group will complete a practical project, such as building shelving brackets, phone stands, or bookends, while learning essential skills like welding, machining, and woodworking.

Weeks 6 & 7: Applying Skills

• Dates: November 11th & 18th (Mondays)
• Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
• Location: Metal and Wood Shops
• Details: The focus shifts to applying the safety and tool skills learned in previous weeks. Students are divided into two groups to begin work on footlocker projects. Group A starts in the Wood Shop, while Group B works in the Metal Shop, then they switch the following week.

Weeks 8 & 9: Assembly and Completion

• Dates: November 25th and December 2nd (Mondays)
• Time: 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
• Location: Wood Shop and Outside Wood Shop
• Details: The final weeks are dedicated to the assembly of the footlockers. Students will sand, glue, screw, and fit hinges and hasps, with an optional quick paint or stain application.

Community Service Project

Upon completion, students will deliver over 20 footlockers to South Park INN, one of Hartford’s largest homeless shelters. These lockers, measuring 20”x16”x16”, are designed to provide secure storage for personal belongings, with Stanley locking hasps and locks. This project not only hones the students' skills but also instills a sense of community responsibility and the importance of giving back.

This program provides participants with valuable trade skills while making a tangible difference in the community.

Program support by: