Youth Build
New YouthBuild Cohort Coming Soon!
Build Your Future. Join the Next YouthBuild Cohort by February 28, 2026.
YouthBuild Albuquerque | Construction & GED Training | YDI NM
Blueprint Your Future. Build Your Career.
Your hands have the power to build a stronger community and a stronger you. YDI YouthBuild offers young people (16-24) in Albuquerque and Bernalillo County a unique opportunity to gain real-world construction experience while making a tangible difference. You will work alongside a team to build affordable housing for families in need right here in our community.
This is more than just training; it’s a chance to develop leadership skills, earn your High School Equivalency, and get certified in construction (NCCER) and safety (OSHA 10). With dedicated support for transportation, childcare, and personal guidance, we provide the foundation. You build the future.
Contact Us
Location
3411 Candelaria Rd. NE Suite D
Albuquerque, NM 87107
Email
youthbuild@ydinm.org
Phone
505-920-9111
Serving: Albuquerque, Bernalillo County, and the surrounding New Mexico area.
Our Services: Your Pathway to a Skilled Career
We don’t just offer a program; we offer a launchpad for your future in Albuquerque’s high-demand industries. Every service we provide is designed with one goal: to place you on a clear path to a sustainable and rewarding career.
Education:
Earn your High School Equivalency (GED/HiSET), the essential first step to unlocking career opportunities and higher education. Our Albuquerque-based Adult Basic Education (ABE) program provides dedicated teachers and tutors to ensure your success.
Hands-on Experience:
Gain real-world, hands-on experience by building affordable homes for Albuquerque families alongside professional instructors. This is where you learn the tangible skills that employers in the local construction and skilled trades are actively seeking.
Career Readiness & Leadership:
Transition from learning to earning. We prepare you for the New Mexico workforce with essential training in resume writing, interviewing, and professional conduct—the keys to not just getting a job, but building a lasting career.
Navigation & Support:
Your personal Career Navigator is dedicated to your success, helping you overcome barriers like transportation and childcare in the Bernalillo County area. We clear the path so you can focus on building your future.
Furthermore, through our partnership with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), you may access additional support services and incentives as you progress through the program and earn your credentials.
Career Placement & Advancement:
Our commitment continues after you earn your credentials. We provide one full year of follow-up support to help you secure a job with an Albuquerque employer, enter a union apprenticeship, or continue your education, ensuring your career gets a strong start.
Earn Industry-Recognized Credentials
Go beyond the classroom. We help you earn the certifications that prove your skills to Albuquerque employers and open doors to high-demand careers.
High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma
Your foundational credential. Earn your state-recognized diploma (GED/HiSET) and unlock opportunities for better jobs, higher education, and advanced training right here in New Mexico.
NCCER Core Construction Certification
Your ticket to the trades. This nationally recognized certification proves your foundational knowledge and makes you a safer, more hirable candidate from day one.
OSHA 10 Safety Certification
Your license to work. This industry-required credential demonstrates your commitment to safety—a top priority for every major Albuquerque construction employer.
YouthBuild’s Impact in Albuquerque
See how YDI YouthBuild students are making a difference in our local community while building their careers.
Program offers second chance in construction and education completion for residents
“It’s never too late to turn around.” – Kingston, YouthBuild Participant
Discover how YouthBuild students like Kingston and Armani are turning their lives around. Read their stories of earning diplomas, building homes, and creating new futures in Albuquerque.
October 15, 2024
March 12, 2025
Meet Rocky: Building Skills & Earning Credentials
From the classroom to the worksite, Rocky is constructing a bright future.
In just three months, Rocky achieved a major milestone by earning his High School Equivalency (HSE) diploma with YouthBuild. Now, he’s on the worksite, gaining hands-on experience and earning critical industry certifications, such as his OSHA 10 and NCCER Construction credentials, right here in Albuquerque. Rocky is a powerful example of how dedication, combined with the proper training and support, can build a strong foundation for a lasting career.
Building Futures: Sol Housing Partners with YDI to bring opportunities to young people
YDI’s second YouthBuild cohort partnered with Sol Housing and Jaynes Corp to build affordable senior housing in Albuquerque. Participants gained construction experience while earning certifications and diplomas.
March 14, 2025
Project Spotlight: Farolito Senior Community and YDI’s YouthBuild
YouthBuild participants worked directly with Jaynes Corporation crews on-site, gaining real-world experience while contributing to a meaningful affordable housing project for Albuquerque seniors. This partnership offered students a clear, hands-on pathway into the construction industry.
Program Schedule
YouthBuild Mental Toughness Week
Chort #5
Save your spot by:
February 28th
9 AM – 3 PM
YouthBuild Team & Worksite
Cohort #4
October 13th, 2025 – May 8th, 2026
Team A
PM Education Class Mon/Wed/Fri
1 PM – 3 PM
PM Worksite Tues/Thurs
1 PM – 3:30 PM
The First Step: Mental Toughness Week
The path to your career begins with a one-week introduction we call Mental Toughness Week. This period is not just an orientation; it’s a mutual commitment to see if our Albuquerque program is the right fit for you.
- For You: Experience the program’s pace, meet the staff, and decide if you are ready to commit to building your future with us.
- For Us: Ensure we can provide the support and environment you need to succeed.
This shared investment sets every graduate up for success. Passing Mental Toughness Week is your official enrollment into the YouthBuild program.
Our Partners
Take the First Step Today
Ready to build your future with YouthBuild in Albuquerque?
Call us now at (505) 920-9111 or click below.