Trainee Program

Four individuals working on woodworking or furniture project at a workshop, measuring and sketching while wooden pieces are laid out on the table.

With the financial support of CHANGE Microgrant, Friends Craft Cooperative provided 15-18 year old Arus Academy students from disadvantaged backgrounds with woodworking skills training. It is targeted as an enrichment program and an introduction for those who intend to pursue a career in crafts and trades immediately post-matriculation.

In 2025, we piloted our first program with 4 stateless teens who do not have access to public schools, university, nor formal work options. Throughout 25 hours over 1 month, they made 3 items each, learning about designing for function, form, and efficient production process with limited toolsets.

Tools are generously supported by Milwaukee Tool.

A person working in a woodworking workshop, using a ruler and pencil to measure a piece of wood on a workbench surrounded by various tools and wooden furniture pieces.
Milwaukee logo with red background, white text, and circular design, celebrating over 100 years since 1924.
Logo with a green tree made of abstract leaves and branches, 'CHANGE' written below in bold, with the tagline 'Small Grants, Big Change.'