Construction Training & Career Planning

The Big Skills Program (BSP)

Learn construction skills, experience hands-on real-world learning by building a small house* from scratch to completion! No experience required.

We are currently looking for highly motivated, reliable high school graduates with a desire to learn about the building trades. Apply to be a Learning Leader. No experience needed.

We offer free Tuition. plus participants are granted a $10,000 stipend.

The 10 month project starts Aug. 2026 and ends June 2027.

We learn and build on the campuses of:

• San Rafael High School: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm **

• Branson High School: Tuesday - Thursday, 8am-5 pm **

• Antioch High School: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm **

• Cristo Rey De La Salle East Bay High School: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm **

Learning Leaders with the Big Skills program will experience building a home, and gain the skills required to complete a complex project. They will be exposed to a wide range of construction skills, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical, cabinetry, and more. Additionally, by working as a team, each student will advance their leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Throughout the year, Learning Leaders will pass on the skills they are developing to high school students. Each Learning Leader will have a crew of 4 high school students to lead through the build. This will deepen the learning process and further develop leadership and communication skills.

Throughout the build of the ADU, participants will undergo career planning sessions. We will provide career planning and placements as well as, check in with graduates to ensure that they continue to move towards their goals. Big Skills is committed to supporting its graduates to ensure their long-term career success.

For an application and interview contact Big Skills at: student@bigskillstinyhomes.org. or fill out the form below.

* Small Home ADU, for us, will be approximately 160 square feet, and include a living space, modern bathroom, and complete kitchen. Like any other typical home, it will have plumbing, electricity, wood framed walls with windows and doors, and roofing.

** Days Off Per High School Calendar.