Photos: Idea'l Trade Institute teaches construction skills tuition-free
Idea'l Trade Institute, in Tucson, is a trade school that offers students the chance to earn a tuition-free contracting license in exchange for building tiny homes.
The school trains students in every aspect of homebuilding, from electrical wiring to plumbing, carpentry and HVAC.
Students pay $500 to enroll in the program and, if they finish the 199-square-foot home during the six-month course, the $13,000 tuition is waved. They also receive a R-62 contracting license that allows them to work on projects of up to $5,000, said Clayton Abernathy, owner of Idea'l.
Idea'l Trade Institute
Dylan Draper uses a drill during a building class at the Idea'l Trade Institute, on March 7, 2022.
Idea'l Trade Institute
Joshua Abernathy, left, and Carlito McCleery work together during a building class at the Idea'l Trade Institute on March 7, 2022.
Idea'l Trade Institute
Devin Duran left, and Kasandra Prieto work together during a building class at the Idea'l Trade Institute on March 7, 2022.
Idea'l Trade Institute
Devin Duran far left, and Kasandra Prieto, far right, listen to Nelson Brown, teacher, during a building class at the Idea'l Trade Institute, on March 7, 2022.
Idea'l Trade Institute
The Idea'l Trade Institute teaches students about construction. The school is tuition free and the students build twenty-six 199 square-foot modules in the six month course. March 7, 2022.
Idea'l Trade Institute
Students work during a building class at the Idea'l Trade Institute, on March 7, 2022.
Idea'l Trade Institute
Nelson Brown, teacher, left, talks with Kasandra Prieto, during a building class at the Idea'l Trade Institute, on March 7, 2022.
Idea'l Trade Institute
The Idea'l Trade Institute teaches students about construction. The school is tuition free and the students build twenty-six 199 square-foot modules in the six month course. March 7, 2022.
Mamta Popat
Photojournalist
Tucson program builds tiny homes to teach construction skills tuition-freeFor Star subscribers: Idea'l Institute in Tucson trains students in every aspect of homebuilding, from electrical wiring to plumbing, carpentry and HVAC. Those completing the program earn a contractors license.