Who
Young men and women ages 12–17 in Alexandria, Virginia.
Our program
A pre-apprenticeship in the skilled trades
Cornerstone Craftsman provides youth with training in the skilled trades and mentoring, focused on goal-oriented character development.
Where
2111 Eisenhower Avenue, Suite 102, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Cost
Free. Benevolent assistance, transportation, and meals are currently provided.
Students meet with instructors and mentors once a week during the school year and more frequently during the summer at the Learning Center to complete hands-on projects, master technical lessons, and advance in the skilled trades.
In addition to the trades, the program provides mentorship and education in conflict resolution, critical thinking, self-awareness, and accountability.
A class typically lasts 4 to 6 hours and focuses on the day’s lesson plans. Lessons are structured in distinct phases so participants can explore several parts of the skilled-trades industry.
What students learn
The following curriculum list is published on the FAQ page, including estimated training days. It describes what the program teaches or plans to teach.
- 1.Introduction to OSHA standards and safety practices (4 days)
- 2.Protective coverings and applications (3 days)
- 3.Introduction to project materials (1–2 days)
- 4.Tools and proper techniques (1.5–2 weeks)
- 5.Order of operations for building projects (1 week)
- 6.Drywall hanging and patching (2 weeks)
- 7.Plaster, heat guns, joint compound, and taping (1 week)
- 8.Finishing stages, sanding grades, and tools (2 weeks)
- 9.Paint preparation, priming, base, and sheens (30 days)
- 10.Wood staining skills (25 days)
- 11.Basic carpentry skills (2 weeks)
- 12.Basic residential demolition and disposal (30 days)
- 13.Basic welding (30 days)
- 14.Basics of residential plumbing (40 days)
- 15.Electrical theory and NEC code (6 months)
- 16.Project and material cost estimations (60 days)
- 17.Understanding residential blueprints (30 days)
Pre-apprentices are also exposed to real-world jobsites with contractors and developers, community engagement activities, and family support services.
Needs confirmation: The FAQ says instructors will soon offer digital training and testing, entrepreneurship, and financial management education. Treat those as planned, not as currently verified standing classes.