Some people don’t know what to do after high school. That is where Newport News’ YouthBuild comes in.

Yavin Johnson wasn’t sure what he wanted to do in June after high school graduation, but the Newport News YouthBuild program helped him change that.

Johnson joined the first Newport News YouthBuild cohort in July, and he’s learned four trades — carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. He’s also earned three certifications — one for CPR and one each from the National Center for Construction Education and Research and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

“It was a great experience and I’d recommend it to anybody who may not have plans for what to do. It’s the perfect way to get your trade experience — that’s how I look at it when I come here every morning. I’m learning trades so I can be successful in life and have something to fall back on,” Johnson, 19, said.

The program is funded by a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor that was awarded to Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas in partnership with the city of Newport News. The grant goes through March 2023 and the city plans to provide workforce development and education training to about 90 young people from the city’s Southeast Community.

“This is a workforce development program and we want to ensure there’s a seamless transition from YouthBuild into the workforce. The same way that we run YouthBuild is the same way the workforce is,” said Dan Carrera, YouthBuild program manager.

The program takes about seven months. The first several weeks are devoted to education through the Peninsula Regional Education Program before participants dive into trades.

Johnson said when he learned about the program he thought he’d only be learning one trade. While he’s primarily interested in HVAC, he’s found the exposure to multiple trades useful personally and professionally.

“Picking up on that stuff is amazing. There is little stuff I notice when I go home that I can fix now. I can help because no one else in my house really knows how to do that, so I can show them and I can teach them the same things I’m learning,” Johnson said.

Iyona Ankum, 19, is one of two women in the program, she’s also interested in HVAC but said the exposure to multiple trades will help her achieve her long-term goal — flipping houses. She said she’ll be able to save money by doing some of the work on the homes herself.

“We’re getting four trades for free and getting paid to do it. I can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t take this opportunity,” Ankum said.

Johnson is also hoping that he’ll be able to one day use his experience to start his own business helping others.

The program is offered to the participants at no cost. Their training is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. They receive a stipend every two weeks based on their attendance and performance.

YouthBuild is open to anyone 16-24 who is identified as “at-risk” in Newport News, but priority is given to people from the Southeast Community. Participants undergo a “mental toughness” screening to determine whether they’re ready for the training.

Carrera said that because Virginia is a compulsory education state, it’s been difficult to include 16- and 17-year-olds in the program, so he’s working on other ways to incorporate younger participants.

The program will also connect participants with potential future employers at an industry career day tailored to their interests and training. Carrera says that includes bringing in recruiters for people in the program looking to enter the military.

“It’s been a journey — learning and being around new people. That’s actually one of my favorite parts about it — meeting new people and building a brotherhood,” Johnson said.

Johnson’s child was born in September and the people in the program surprised him with a gift basket for the baby.

Carrera said he meets participants once a month.

“We try to let them know that this is a family as much as we can. We aren’t trying to get nosey or into what’s going on in their business, but we do want to make sure that they know they have a helping hand,” Carrera said.

Johnson’s case manager helped him sign up for health insurance. Other participants have needed help with finding living arrangements within their budget and one needed help getting a bed for their apartment. The caseworkers and director do what they can to help participants succeed.

“I don’t want folks to think they’re just coming in here to get a trade and then leave. No, we want to make sure that when they come in, we will continue to support them as much as possible,” Carrera said.

Johnson said one of the highlights of his experience so far was working on building a home in the Southeast Community with Habitat for Humanity. He described it as a fast-paced hands-on experience.

“It’s all about picking up on stuff quickly,” Johnson said. “You were able to ask questions, but you have to ask the question and actually listen to the answer. It’s amazing to be around people who know what you want to know and can help you.”

Carrera will begin recruiting for the third cohort in January before it begins March 18.

YouthBuild doesn’t require any previous trade experience — just a willingness to learn.

“It’s a time commitment, but they leave with stipends and certifications, with incredible training. We’re preparing them for a successful future in the trade and the trades are really booming,” said Sarah Bowman, city spokeswoman.

“Take the chance. You never know what you’ll get out of something until you go through with it. I can’t make anyone join, but I can recommend it,” Johnson added.

Jessica Nolte, 757-247-4513, [email protected]

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