In order to prepare youth to be able to compete in the local job market, the Binghampton Development Corp. and the Carpenter Art Garden have set the stage to send kids off on local apprenticeships. In fact, in as soon as 2016, kids will be able to expand their job search by learning new skills. They will be able to learn skills such as baking, carpentry, bike maintenance, and sewing at a new home that was recently purchased and is located next to the art garden. Memphis moving companies like All My Sons Moving & Storage are suggesting the program to new residents who have youth that could benefit from the job training.

According to Clark Butcher, board member with the Carpenter Art Garden and owner of Victory Bicycle Studio, “This isn’t just about community outreach. This is about providing equity and not just providing a service.” The community has supported this project by funding a $50,000 grant with the intention of renovating a house in the community. Local home owners were on board with the plan as well – for a little bit more than $8,000, the organization was able to purchase a 1,300 square foot home from an owner whose family has lived in the neighborhood for generations.

Memphis movers were glad to hear that businesses throughout Memphis have agreed to help teach the children in the program the tricks of the trade for each of their industries. Shops such as the Revolutions Bicycle CoOp, Sew Memphis, Muddy’s Bake Shop, Bingham & Broad, and T Clifton Art Gallery have agreed to offer internships that will teach everything from bike maintenance training, art framing, and furniture restoration to children who are moving to Memphis.

Director of the Carpenter Art Garden, Erin Harris, stated that “It’s just a building that wants to expand the offerings for the kids. Not every single child is going to go to college. They need to have some skills where they can go out and get a job.”