YOUTHBUILD HOUSTON
LAYING THE FOUNDATION, FRAMING OUR FUTURE
YouthBuild is a national program for opportunity youth funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. SER Jobs in Houston, Texas administers YouthBuild Houston for the Greater Houston area. This program is for young adults ages 16 to 24. The goal of YouthBuild Houston is to provide a host of diverse opportunities & skills to youth that will prepare them for adulthood, creating the next generation of leaders!
HANDS-ON LEARNING, REAL-WORLD OPPORTUNITY
REASONS TO JOIN YOUTHBUILD HOUSTON
YouthBuild Houston sets participants up for success to pursue their education and provides skills needed to succeed in today’s evolving workforce. From on-the-job skills in high-demand industries to real-life resources and support, what participants gain in YouthBuild equips them to shape their future.
Take classes to earn your GED
Learn skills with on-the-job training and nationally recognized credentials in construction, phlebotomy, or customer service.
Receive opportunities to attend college & career readiness workshops and learn about a variety of post-secondary pathways.
Gain financial literacy, leadership, workforce development, and life skills
Receive support like mental health services, transportation, financial, food, and clothing assistance, as well as many other resources.
Give back to the Houston community by building homes for those in need.
Develop leadership skills to help you tackle the next stage of your life!
SERJobs’ Success Story - Thomas
At 43 years old, Army Veteran Thomas R. was determined to build a future defined not by his past, but by purpose, stability, and growth.
When he enrolled in SERJobs’ Incarcerated Veterans Transition Program (IVTP), Thomas knew he wanted a career that would allow him to provide for himself and move forward with confidence. He initially pursued truck driving, enrolling in a CDL program with hopes of quickly entering the workforce. But once behind the wheel, he realized something important: this path wasn’t right for him.
For many, that realization might have been the end of the road. For Thomas, it was a turning point.
Instead of giving up, he made the courageous decision to start over—this time choosing a path that truly aligned with his interests and long-term goals. He set his sights on Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), a highly skilled and technical field with strong career potential. He enrolled in training at Ocean Corporation, ready to commit fully to this new direction.
But the challenge was significant. Living in Huntsville, Texas, Thomas faced a daily commute of over an hour and a half each way to Houston. The cost and strain of travel could have easily derailed his progress. Still, Thomas pressed forward.
With targeted support to help cover transportation and remove financial barriers, he was able to stay focused on what mattered most—his training and his future. Day after day, mile after mile, he showed up, committed to seeing this journey through.
After seven months of hard work, persistence, and sacrifice, Thomas achieved what he set out to do: he earned his certification as a Non-Destructive Testing Inspector.
That milestone quickly turned into opportunity.
Thomas secured a position with Sabre Industries, where he now works as an NDT Inspector, earning a competitive wage and building a career in a field that values his skills and dedication. For the first time in a long time, he has stability and a clear path forward.
But more than that, Thomas has something even greater: confidence in himself and in what he’s capable of achieving.
Today, he continues to build on this success, exploring opportunities to advance his credentials and strengthen his financial future. With ongoing support and a renewed sense of purpose, Thomas is not just working; he is building a life.
Thomas’ journey is a powerful reminder that setbacks do not define us; our response to them does. With determination, resilience, and the right support, he transformed uncertainty into opportunity and created a future filled with possibility.
Thomas’s success story demonstrates the transformative power of determination, coupled with the right resources and support. From initially facing the challenges of a poor fit in his first career choice to successfully earning his NDT certification and landing a stable job, Thomas R has proven that with the right guidance, veterans can overcome obstacles and build a bright future. His story is an inspiration to others who may face similar challenges, and we are proud to have supported him throughout his journey.
Next Steps for Thomas R:
Continued Career Growth: Thomas’s next step is to continue building on his NDT career. We will assist him in exploring opportunities for additional certifications or specialized training to further enhance his qualifications and earning potential.
Financial Support through the FEC: Assist him with financial literacy resources through SERJobs Financial Empowerment Center (FEC). The FEC will provide ongoing financial counseling to help him manage his income, plan for future financial goals, and ensure long-term financial stability. We will also explore resources that could support Thomas as he adjusts to his new job, including budgeting and saving strategies.