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“Before joining AYW-YB, I was struggling to find work in Los Angeles. I had spent over seven months applying to jobs with no luck. I decided to turn my focus towards the trades and had been interested in AmeriCorps for a while.

What drew me to AYW-YB was the mission. Building affordable housing really resonated with me and during my interview, the people I met seemed really great. Moving to Austin and becoming part of the program felt like the right next step.

The financial challenges were real, the stipend was small, but the support I received made all the difference. YouthBuild helped me gain confidence in the trades. The training was hands-on, my supervisors were incredibly encouraging, and I had the chance to explore opportunities outside of AYW.

During my time in the program, I became a crew leader and completed a pre-apprentice electrical training program, earning my apprentice license. I worked on impactful projects like repairing the security shed at Wild Basin, building a fence for AYW Child Inc, helping complete a home at 1611 W 10th Street, and working with Habitat for Humanity in San Marcos.

I walked away with certifications in OSHA, NCCER, Solar Installation, and Pre-Apprentice Electrical Training, plus valuable skills in solar panel installation and home framing.

The highlight for me was the people, working alongside a great team and learning how to build a house from the ground up. YouthBuild gave me the tools, confidence, and connections to take the next step in my career.” – Jamila

 

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