A Real "Apprentice" Showdown

In mid-October, as America watched the new season of Donald Trump's "The Apprentice", a group of talented young men and women in a boardroom in Chicago faced-off in a perhaps less publicized, but equally tense competition to win a contract and the respect of their peers. These 18 individuals were part of OAI's Youthbuild Minority Worker Training Program, a pre-construction training program offered by OAI, Inc. and supported by its various departments. The 24-week program provides young people between the ages of 18-24 the opportunity to go back to school and get paid while learning the construction trade.

Students commit to rigorous academic studies and work with teachers at our partner organization, Literacy Chicago, to prepare for the GED exam. In addition, OAI seeks to foster professionalism, workplace technology skills, leadership, and teamwork.

OAI CTC staff worked with Youthbuild MWT organizers to develop a scenario-based workplace technology curriculum for the first two weeks of class. Students were divided into two teams to form competing companies vying for a construction contract with a residential property developer. They were given two weeks to learn and apply the computer and business skills they would need to win.

James Ladner, CEO of Youthbuild MWT Team, New Life Construction, led his team to a victory after a close call against worthy opponent, Picture Perfect Construction.

Both teams developed company slogans, mission statements, and business cards. Employees researched construction costs, developed budgets,and prepared an animated Power Point presentation.