Verly, YBB Alumni Spotlight: Building His Path
Verly’s YBB journey started with the Designery and expanded into carpentry, turning an interest in design into a real-world building experience. After graduating from YBB’s carpentry pre-apprentice program in December 2025, Verly has been staying active in the field while he awaits his acceptance letter from Carpenter’s Union Local 327. He is currently utilizing his framing skills in a short-term role with JOGO, found through our partner Aerotek. Once Verly receives his letter, YBB will be able to help connect him to an employer partner for his first position as an Apprentice Carpenter. Verly is well into the process, and his consistency and drive reflect a strong commitment to building a long-term career in the trades.
Q: Can you introduce yourself and what you’re currently working on?
Verly: My name is Verly. Right now, I’m working a temp job while I’m in the process of applying to Carpenters Union Local 327. YouthBuild helped me get this opportunity, so I’ve just been staying active and getting experience while I wait to hear back.
Q: What has that job been like so far?
Verly: It’s been good. Some days are tough, it was really cold, raining, windy, but I’ve been doing a lot of hands-on work. Breaking things down, taking down walls, measuring, cutting materials, just doing whatever they need on site.
Q: How did you first get connected to YouthBuild Boston?
Verly: I first heard about it through my guidance counselor. We went on a trip to Local 327, and I knew I wanted to get into that. I applied to YouthBuild Boston and started in the Designery program, then later came back for the Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship.
Q: What was your favorite part of the program?
Verly: I liked YouthBuild a lot because I got to build things and work with my hands; that was probably my favorite part. I remember I got to work in the field on some affordable housing near Blue Hills, and that was my first time really being out there doing real work.
Q: What did you take away from that experience?
Verly: That experience meant a lot because it was my first time working on a real job site. It made everything feel more real and helped me build confidence in doing the work.
Q: Outside of the work itself, what stood out to you about YouthBuild?
Verly: I went to a small school, so it was great getting to meet new people. My favorite moments were probably break times when everyone was just talking and vibing. It was a different environment for me.
Q: How did YouthBuild help you grow?
Verly: YouthBuild helped me a lot with time management like getting up early. You know you always had to be at the shop by 8am. It also helped me with being more professional, like how to work with people and carry myself on a job site.
Q: What are your goals moving forward?
Verly: Right now, I’m focused on getting into Carpenters Union Local 327 and building a career from there. I’m just trying to keep working, keep learning, and stay ready for that next step.
Verly’s journey is still unfolding, and it’s been really inspiring to see how committed he’s been every step of the way. From starting in the Designery to continuing his experience in our pre-apprenticeship program, he continues to show up, stay focused, and put in the work. That kind of patience and dedication really speaks to who he is.
All of us at YouthBuild Boston are so proud of Verly and excited to continue supporting him as he takes this next step into his career!
Verly with fellow pre-apprentice and staff, installing concrete planters at Fletcher Maynard Academy. (Carpentry Pre- apprentice Program, 2025)
Verly at our Each One, Teach One workshop guiding fellow high school students through a birdhouse project. (Carpentry Pre- apprentice Program, 2025)
Verly with the Designery visiting the United Neighbors of Lower Roxbury Garden. (The Designery, 2024)
Verly giving tours at our first annual open house! (2025)