Alumni Stories
Blad and Lionel
Laborers at JOGO Corporation
2026 Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Graduates
Blad Heredia and Lionel Bazile joined YouthBuild Boston after their classmate at Codman Academy charter school completed the program and recommended it. During their pre-apprenticeships, they enjoyed getting to know other students and working on community service projects, especially the rooftop gardens at bus stops around the city.
“YouthBuild is more about community than themselves. They try to help out any young kid that's out here...I would have never gone into carpentry if [YBB] didn't give me all we have now—the knowledge, the tools, anything," Blad said.
Now that they've graduated from YBB, they continue to work together at JOGO Corporation, where they appreciate learning from their new coworkers and taking on new challenges.
Blad and Lionel shared that the working at JOGO Corporation is more intense than the projects they completed at YBB, but the skills and accountability YBB taught them are essential to their current success. They each hope to continue improving their skills, and Blad hopes to eventually open his own business.
Lionel shared advice for new pre-apprentices: "Take it serious. The stuff that you learn at YouthBuild—you're actually going to want to learn it." He said that starting his career with construction experience at YBB allows him to learn more complex skills in his new position.
Berto
Assistant Vocational Instructor at YouthBuild Boston
2025 Building Trades Exploration and 2025 Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Graduate
Berto joined YouthBuild Boston to earn his diploma, but he has become an invaluable member of the YBB community. After the Building Trades Exploration, he found a passion for construction. He chose to continue with YBB by becoming a carpentry pre-apprentice. In the program, Berto exceeded expectations by advocating for his classmates. This was fueled by Berto’s want to see his classmates walk across the graduation stage with him.
After graduating from YBB, Berto was ready to enter a union job but instead chose to return to YBB as a vocational instructor. This position allows Berto to continue his advocacy while inspiring students to hold themselves accountable. As someone who has been in his students’ shoes, Berto understands how to help them navigate different obstacles.
Berto's favorite thing about YouthBuild Boston is that we put students first so we can see them succeed. "YouthBuild wants students to go above and beyond then come back and gloat about what they've done."
In the Fall, Berto will start classes at Franklin Cummings Tech. He will be pursuing his associate’s degree in construction management.
Verly
Recently Acquired Union Letter
2024 Designery and 2025 Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Graduate
Verly entered the Designery program while he was still a student at Codman Academy Charter School. After earning his diploma, Verly returned to YBB as a carpentry pre-apprentice to work towards his goal of joining a carpenter’s union.
“I liked YouthBuild a lot because I got to build things and work with my hands; that was probably my favorite part,” Verly said.
Since graduating, Verly has already gained carpentry experience. He worked as a laborer at JOGO Corporation while he applied to Carpenters Union Local 327. “I’m just trying to keep working, keep learning, and stay ready for that next step,” he said. Verly recently got his letter from Local 327 and is applying for his first apprenticeship.