Alumni Stories
Nathan
Apprentice Carpenter at Local 723
2026 Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Graduate
Nathan became a pre-apprentice to familiarize himself with building trades and learn more about carpentry.
Throughout the program, Nathan exemplified the YouthBuild Boston spirit by showing up each day with an eagerness to learn and an enthusiasm to serve his community. He found ways to connect with everyone he met in the program, whether they were fellow students, staff, or experts in the trades.
Nathan was invited to speak to his fellow pre-apprentices at their graduation ceremony. He chose to share how much he valued the community he found at YBB.
“I cannot express how much everybody here inspires me," Nathan said. "I knew that if I had y'all with me, I was set, and I was ready to go through any challenges in our way."
Nathan was recently accepted into the Local 723 residential union and will soon begin classes as an apprentice.
Yvenson
Project Engineer Apprentice at Dimeo Construction Company
2023 Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Graduate
Yvenson graduated from YouthBuild Boston's Pre-Apprentice program in 2023. Since then, he's been working as a Project Engineer Apprentice at Dimeo Construction Company for three years. He will complete his apprenticeship next month and plans to continue working at Dimeo as a superintendent after earning his Construction Supervisor License. He has found a community at Dimeo.
As a pre-apprentice, Yvenson was passionate about serving the community, and that has continued that passion during his time at Dimeo. " That's the reason why I got into this—to help other people," Yvenson said. "I'm not putting up these buildings for no reason. People are going to live in them. Almost all the buildings we do are low-income housing so it's helping a lot of people."
Yvenson is always eager to give back to the YouthBuild Boston community by welcoming new cohorts, attending community events, and leading site visits. " YBB understands what it's like growing up in Boston, not having an opportunity like other people," he said. "And they work with you. They make you feel heard."
Kass
Field Engineer at Haycon
2025 Building Trades Exploration Graduate
2026 Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Graduate
Kass is a graduate of both the Building Trades Exploration and the Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship. Just 2 weeks after program completion, Kass accepted a position as a field engineer at Haycon. As a student, Kass was inquisitive and eager to learn about different career paths. Those qualities have persisted in Kass's work as he searches for ways to become a well-rounded and experienced worker. This includes pursuing an OSHA 30 certification and learning more about HVAC installation on his current job site.
Kass was invited to reflect on his experience at YouthBuild Boston at 2026 BuildFest. “I say with confidence that they helped me build a solid foundation for my future,” he said, “and I’m filled with gratitude for the amazing journey that I’ve had at YouthBuild.”
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.