Contractor Guardians Tradeschool Program (CGTP)
Building Trades. Building Homes. Building Futures.
A non-profit, construction-based tradeschool where students learn by building real homes and community projects—
especially for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and vulnerable families.
Download Full Program & Business Plan (PDF)
Program & Business Plan Overview
The Contractor Guardians Tradeschool Program (CGTP) is a non-profit tradeschool that trains students by having them
build real homes and community spaces. The Colorado flagship campus is the first site in a model designed to expand
to at least 15 states.
CGTP combines trades education, workforce development, and housing production in a single, scalable framework:
- Hands-on construction trades training tied to real projects.
- Housing units and facility upgrades delivered for veterans and vulnerable families.
- A clear pathway from classroom to internship, apprenticeship, and licensing.
Executive Summary
CGTP offers project-based training in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and jobsite safety. Students split
their time between classroom, lab practice, and supervised fieldwork on active build sites.
- Students must complete documented hours on a live build to graduate.
- Graduates are placed into internships or apprenticeships with partner contractors and ministries.
- The model is built to solve three linked challenges: skilled labor shortages, lack of accessible training, and the growing need for affordable housing.
CGTP is designed as a repeatable blueprint: prove the model in Colorado, then replicate one high-impact campus per
state in at least 15 states.
Mission, Vision & Values
Mission
To provide hands-on, affordable trades education that builds stable careers for students while building safe,
dignified housing for communities in need.
Vision
A national network of Contractor Guardians Tradeschools where each new class of skilled tradespeople helps create
new homes, new community spaces, and new opportunities.
Core Values
- Service – Every project gives back to the community.
- Excellence – Training aligned with industry and licensing standards.
- Opportunity – Focus on low-income, under-employed, and non-traditional students.
- Accountability – Transparent outcomes for jobs, wages, and housing impact.
- Safety – OSHA-aligned culture on every jobsite.
Problem & Opportunity
The Workforce Gap
Construction industries nationwide face a major shortage of skilled tradespeople as experienced workers retire and
fewer young people enter the trades. Many adults are not well-served by four-year college pathways but have no clear,
affordable on-ramp into the trades.
The Housing Crisis
Communities across the U.S. are struggling with housing affordability and rising homelessness. Veterans and vulnerable
families are hit especially hard, while non-profits and ministries often lack cost-effective ways to build or rehab
housing stock.
The CGTP Opportunity
CGTP turns housing need into a training platform. Students learn on real projects, partner organizations get lower-cost
builds under licensed supervision, and communities gain both housing units and a new pipeline of skilled workers.
Program Model – Colorado Flagship Campus
Who We Serve
- Ages 17+ with a diploma, GED, or equivalent.
- Veterans transitioning into civilian careers.
- Justice-impacted individuals seeking a fresh start.
- Career changers and under-employed adults.
- Low-income and underserved communities.
Program Structure
- 9–12 month intensive program in Colorado.
- Mix of classroom, lab/shop, and on-site construction hours.
- Primary trade track plus shared foundation courses.
- Designed to support 60–100 students per year.
Core Trades (Phase 1)
- General Construction & Carpentry.
- Electrical (residential/light commercial – apprentice level).
- Plumbing (residential/light commercial – apprentice level).
- HVAC / Mechanical.
- Intro Construction Management & Site Supervision (advanced track).
Colorado serves as the template for a one-campus-per-state expansion strategy, adapted to local licensing and housing needs.
Curriculum & Learning Experience
Core Foundations (All Students)
- Construction math, measurements, and layout.
- Blueprint reading and basic design literacy.
- Tools and materials: safe use, maintenance, and selection.
- OSHA 10/30 and jobsite safety culture.
- Basic building codes and inspections.
- Soft skills: teamwork, communication, punctuality, professionalism.
Trade-Specific Modules
- Electrical: circuits, wiring methods, NEC basics, panels, troubleshooting.
- Plumbing: DWV systems, water supply, fixtures, code basics.
- Carpentry: framing, sheathing, roofing, doors/windows, finishes.
- HVAC: ductwork fundamentals, system components, maintenance, diagnostics.
Capstone Build Requirement
Every student must complete a minimum number of documented hours on a live build—such as a home, tiny home, rehab
project, or community facility upgrade. These hours are:
- Tied directly to graduation.
- Used to build a portfolio and references.
- Aligned where possible with apprenticeship and licensing requirements.
Community Build Projects & Funding Loop
CGTP runs on a “build to learn, build to fund” model. Each cohort works on projects that both train students and
produce tangible housing or facility upgrades.
- Small homes or ADUs that can be sold or rented.
- Tiny homes and modular units for veterans and people experiencing homelessness.
- Rehab of older housing stock for non-profits and ministries.
- Repairs and upgrades for shelters and community centers.
These projects generate a mix of earned revenue, developer fees, and in-kind support, helping offset program costs
and keep tuition low or free for students with financial need.
Student Support & Outcomes
CGTP is built around wraparound support and real job outcomes:
- Intake and career counseling to identify goals and remove barriers.
- Case management for transportation, childcare, and housing challenges where possible.
- PPE and basic tools for students who need them.
- Financial literacy education and referrals to community resources.
Internships & Apprenticeships: partner contractors and ministries host CGTP graduates, recognize training where possible toward licensing, and commit to fair starting wages.
Target outcomes per site: 60–100 students per year, ~80% completion, 75–85% job/apprenticeship placement within 6 months, and 5–20 housing units or major rehab projects delivered annually.
Financial Snapshot – Colorado Flagship Campus
Start-Up Costs (Illustrative)
- Facility & Build-Out: leasehold improvements, safety upgrades, furniture – approx. $600K.
- Tools, Labs & Tech: shop equipment, training labs, student starter kits, IT, vehicle – approx. $430K.
- Launch & Compliance: legal, licensing, curriculum development, marketing, insurance – approx. $85K.
Estimated total start-up: ≈ $1.1–$1.2 million.
Annual Operating Budget (Steady State)
- Staffing: instructors, program director, operations, admin, student support – ≈ $730K/year.
- Facilities & Operating: rent, utilities, insurance, materials, transportation, IT, marketing, student supports – ≈ $545K/year.
Baseline annual operating total: ≈ $1.28M, with a planning range of ≈ $1.4M including contingency.
Cost Per Student & Funding Mix
At ~80 students per year, the all-in operating cost is approximately $17,500 per student, including
instruction, safety certifications, tools/PPE, on-site build experience, and job placement support.
Funding comes from a blend of:
- Workforce, housing, and education grants.
- Foundations, corporate partners, ministries, and individual donors.
- Earned revenue from construction contracts, sale/lease of units, and select employer-sponsored training.
For detailed line items and projections, download the full Program & Business Plan PDF above.
