“I’m so glad I joined this program because it put me in the position I’m in now.”
Juan, Class of 2023
Juan discovered YouthBuild Lake County at a job fair during his senior year at North Chicago Community High School. He had an interest in becoming an electrician, but he wasn’t sure how to turn that interest into a career.
YBLC’s Pre-Apprentice Program helped him explore the trades more broadly. Construction training opened his eyes to a field he had not previously considered: renewable energy. When YouthBuild invited him to join its Solar Installer Training pilot, he said yes.
The pilot offered hands-on experience installing solar panels and opportunities to meet employers in the renewable energy industry. One presentation, from Arch Electric, made a lasting impression. Less than a month later, Juan had become a solar panel installer.
“I’m so glad I joined this program because it put me in the position I’m in now,” Juan said. Training and exposure to new possibilities helped him move into the workforce with confidence, practical skills, and a clearer sense of direction.
