RAHicks Improvements
Youth Training Academy
A virtual learning program giving young people practical, everyday knowledge about construction, home maintenance, and basic building skills.
YTA
"Every young person deserves the chance to build something with their own hands — and to be proud of it."
The Youth Training Academy (YTA) is a virtual learning program designed to give young people practical, everyday knowledge about construction, home maintenance, and basic building skills. Through interactive online courses, students explore the fundamentals of electrical, plumbing, framing, general construction, HVAC, window installation, shower and tile installation, and more.
YTA is about building knowledge, confidence, and independence. Students learn how homes and buildings are put together, how common systems work, how to identify and safely use basic tools and materials, and how everyday repairs and projects are completed.
Whether it's understanding what's behind a wall, how plumbing delivers water, how a circuit works, or how a room is built from the ground up — YTA gives youth practical knowledge they can carry with them for life.
What Students Learn
The YTA curriculum covers the core trades through interactive online courses — giving students real knowledge they can apply at home, on the job, or as the foundation of a trade career.
Electrical
Students learn how electrical systems work — how circuits are wired, how panels are organized, how outlets and switches are installed, and how to safely identify and troubleshoot basic electrical issues in a home.
Plumbing
From how water enters a home to how drains and supply lines work, students gain a practical understanding of residential plumbing — including pipe types, fixture connections, and how to identify common plumbing problems.
HVAC
Students explore how heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems keep buildings comfortable — covering ductwork, thermostats, filters, and the basics of how HVAC equipment operates and is maintained.
Framing & General Construction
Students learn how buildings are assembled from the ground up — wall framing, floor systems, load-bearing structures, and the sequence of a real construction project from foundation to finish.
Window Installation
Proper window installation affects energy efficiency, weatherproofing, and structural integrity. Students learn how windows are measured, set, flashed, and sealed — and what to look for when a window is installed correctly.
Flooring
Students learn the fundamentals of flooring installation — including hardwood, laminate, vinyl plank, and tile. Courses cover subfloor preparation, layout planning, cutting, and finishing techniques used by professionals.
Shower & Tile Installation
Tile and shower work require precision and patience. Students learn surface preparation, waterproofing, tile layout, grouting, and caulking — the skills behind bathrooms and kitchens that look and last like professional work.
Tools, Safety & Everyday Repairs
Students learn to identify and safely use basic hand and power tools, understand job-site safety practices, and complete the everyday repairs and maintenance tasks every homeowner and tradesperson needs to know.
Who Can Participate
Format
Virtual / Online
Experience Required
None
Focus
Trades & Construction
The YTA is open to young people who want to build real-world knowledge about construction and home maintenance. Because the program is delivered entirely online through interactive courses, students can learn from anywhere — no job site required.
No prior construction experience is needed — just a willingness to learn. Students from all backgrounds are welcome, and we are especially committed to serving veterans' families and underserved youth in our community.
A Note for Parents
The best time to give your child a head start is now. The YTA gives parents a real opportunity to get their kids started early — building practical knowledge about how homes work, how things are built, and how to use tools safely, long before they ever enter the workforce.
Whether your child is curious about how things work, interested in a trade career, or you simply want them to grow up knowing how to handle everyday repairs and projects — the YTA delivers that foundation in an accessible, online format they can work through at their own pace.
This is knowledge that pays off for life — in confidence, independence, and real-world capability. Give your child the tools to build their future.
Start Early
Young people who learn trade fundamentals early have a significant advantage — in career readiness, homeownership, and everyday problem-solving.
Learn at Their Own Pace
The YTA is fully online and self-paced, so your child can work through courses on their schedule — no commute, no job site, no pressure.
Real Skills, Not Just Theory
Every course is built around practical knowledge — the kind that actually helps when something breaks, needs to be built, or needs to be understood.
Interested in the YTA?
Whether you're a young person ready to learn, a parent looking for opportunities, or a community partner — we'd love to hear from you. Reach out and let's talk about how the Youth Training Academy can make a difference.