SACRA

Build Skills. Reveal Confidence.

Learn construction skills in a creative, hands-on environment

SACRA (Society for the Advancement of Construction Related Arts) is an 8-week skill-building program in the construction trades that prepares adults ages 18+ for careers in construction-related fields. 

Students work on creative, hands-on projects in the community, gain exposure to career paths through workshops led by industry professionals, and visit worksites and landmarks throughout the city. SACRA facilitates job placement for all program graduates. 

All participants learn the proper use of hand and power tools, construction math, construction document reading, and material identification and selection. 

No prior experience in construction is necessary. Attend at no cost. Most participants are eligible for full-tuition scholarships and weekly cash grants. 

Instruction takes place at Assembly House—a historic 1850s-era church in downtown Buffalo—that provides a unique and inspiring learning environment. At Assembly House, participants are surrounded by examples of design and construction excellence.

Workshops with industry professionals include topics such as basic framing, introduction to cabinet making, stair building, wood window building, stained glass, plaster repair, painting, and other skills.

SACRA graduates have gone on to work in a variety of industries in Western New York. Employers include such companies as BRD Construction, Bricklayers Local 3, Conley Caseworks, Comfort Windows & Doors, Hadley Exhibits, Hulley Woodworking, Mandon Building Systems, Melco Construction Services, Rodriguez Construction Group, Local 71, Local 51, and many others.


“This program is the best thing that ever happened to me, because I can build a build a box, which can turn into a room, which can turn into a house. And those are skills that nobody can take away from me.”

— Charleen W, SACRA Graduate

Explore More SACRA Stories

SACRA FAQ

For those interested in participating in SACRA, please read the following Frequently Asked Questions before submitting the SACRA Application.

  • SACRA is open to all adults 18+ who are interested in pursuing a career in the building trades. Ideal candidates are motivated to learn, dependable, can be on time each day, commit to the entire 12-week program, and are eager to develop a craft. No prior experience in carpentry or the trades is required. Some graduates have been looking to start a career or to change careers. While we appreciate and support those who wish to develop skills for their own personal use, hobbies, and exploration, this program is not for that purpose.

  • SACRA is a 8-week program with up to 32 hours of class time per week. Classes run Monday through Thursday from 8 am-3:30 pm and 8 am-12 pm on Fridays with a 1-hour lunch from 12-1 pm Monday through Thursday.

    Spring dates 2025: February 24–April 24, 2025

    Spring graduation: April 24, 2025, 5:30 pm

    Fall dates (tentatively): September 22-November 21

    1. Fill out the online interest form

    2. You’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to schedule your interview

    3. Interview at Assembly House 150 with the SACRA program team

    4. Acceptance letters are sent out between 4-8 weeks before the start of the session Waitlist and rejection letters are sent by 3-4 weeks before the start of the session

    5. If you are not selected, we strongly encourage you to follow up with the Program Manager on your application for the following session. Interviews do not need to be repeated unless it has been more than approximately one year

  • No, applications are accepted on a rolling basis until spots are filled for the upcoming session. Typically, spots are filled four weeks before the program starts, however, you may still get in if you apply late and a spot becomes available.

  • Most participants are eligible to participate at no cost and also receive weekly cash grants.

  • While SACRA is not a job, most participants qualify for a weekly cash grant by check. The grant is attendance-based. This grant is intended to help cover living costs during your training period. Perfect attendance is required to receive the full cash grant each week. You’ll receive more information on this in the interview step.

  • If accepted in SACRA, all tools and building materials are supplied at no cost to you. We ask that you wear comfortable shoes as you spend much time on your feet.

  • We focus our training on basic carpentry and woodworking and also provide introductions to many other trades, including, plumbing, HVAC, painting, electrical, bricklaying, stained glass, and more.

  • SACRA is not a traditional classroom setting. The Assembly House facility at 150 Edward Street is an immersive learning environment. Participants work there hands-on to build skills in the construction trades in small groups and independently. Student to instructor ratio is 3:1.

  • While in the program, participants will work on their resumes and develop professional skills related to finding and applying for a job. Representatives from a variety of companies will meet participants and conduct interviews on-site. Our staff works with each participant to identify the types of jobs that they would fit best with and assist in scheduling interviews with potential employers. Participants have often accepted jobs or received offers before they graduate. Graduates receive assistance with job placement indefinitely.

  • If you have any additional questions, please email info@assemblyhouse150.org or call our program department at 716-331-5969.