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Have Questions?

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TUF Teens

Construct Your Potential

TUF Teens is a free, paid construction training program for young people ages 14–17 on Chicago's South Side, building skills, confidence, and career awareness before graduation.

Apply Now - It's Free

96%

Completion Rate

100%

Earned Industry Certifications

61

WOMEN

$0

Cost to Participants

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Overview

What You'll Earn

Most people don't discover the trades until their mid-twenties. TUF Teens changes that.

This paid program gives teens hands-on construction training led by experienced instructors - alongside mental health check-ins, transportation support, and performance-based stipends. It's a space where teens are seen, supported, and prepared.

And it costs nothing.

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Inclusions

What's Included

Construction Vocation Training

- Hands-on instruction across trades  


Mental Health Check-Ins

- Guided by licensed counselors and mentors  


Transportation Support

- So getting there is never the barrier 


Performance-Based Stipends

- Because your time and effort have value

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How to apply

Build Skills That Open Doors

Earn OSHA, CPR, and more while preparing for real opportunities in your community.

  1. Apply online - takes less than 10 minutes

  2. If selected, we'll call you - rolling review process

  3. Show up, get paid certified - the rest is on us

Requirements

  • Ages 14–17

  • Live in one of the following Chicago neighborhoods:

- Englewood

- West Englewood

- Auburn Gresham

-Roseland

- Chatham, West Pullman

- South Chicago

- Washington Heights

​- Grand Boulevard​

- Gage Park

- South Deering

- Calumet Heights

- East Side

- South Shore

Apply now space is limited

Programs

Find Your Path

Whether you're 14 or 40, TUF has a program built for where you are right now.

Ages 14–17

TUF Teens

A paid introduction to construction trades for teens in Chicago neighborhoods. Build skills, earn a stipend, and get a head start on your future.

Ages 18+

Pave the Way Up

Our 11-week paid pre-apprenticeship program. Free to join, certified upon completion, and designed to launch you directly into a DOL Registered Apprenticeship.

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