YouthBuild Lake County / Success stories
Ryan
A YouthBuild tour opened the door to a 20+ year career.
In his own words
Hear it from Ryan.
Ryan is 1 of 2 alumni sharing their YouthBuild journey in this Spring Benefit Mission Moment Video from 2024.
In 2004, Ryan joined YouthBuild Lake County’s first year of programming. He graduated in 2005. More than two decades later, he is still working at the Great Lakes Naval Base, in a career that began with a tour arranged by YouthBuild.
Finding direction in YBLC’s first year
Ryan came to YouthBuild after losing both his uncle and his father. He already had a high school diploma, but he was looking for direction and a way to build a future for himself. YBLC gave him a place to develop construction skills and connect with people who could help him take his next step.
One of those steps was a visit to the Great Lakes Naval Base. YouthBuild took Ryan on a tour that introduced him to a workplace and an opportunity he would go on to make his own. That connection through the program led to a job at the base after his 2005 graduation.
“This program was the biggest blessing of my entire year. It’s the best choice I ever made.”
Ryan, Class of 2005
An introduction that became a 20+ year career
Ryan has continued working at Great Lakes ever since. The opportunity YouthBuild helped him find became a place to gain experience, develop his skills, and keep moving forward professionally.
“I was able to get a position at the Navy Base through the program and have been there ever since.”
Ryan, Class of 2005
The base encouraged him to continue his education at the College of Lake County. With its support, he earned an associate degree in Industrial Maintenance and Repair, building on his practical experience and advancing his career.
For Ryan, the value of YouthBuild was more than the training alone. Staff helped connect him to an employer, and that introduction opened the door to years of work and further education. A visit during the program became part of the foundation for his adult life.
Still part of the YouthBuild family
Ryan’s connection to YouthBuild has lasted alongside his career. He continues to describe the program as a family: a community that helped him find direction at a difficult time and gave him a place to begin.
“YouthBuild is my family. I owe a great deal of my life’s direction to YouthBuild.”
Ryan
The Bigger Picture
Skills that keep
communities running.
Safe homes and reliable workplaces depend on people who know how to maintain and repair them. Practical training can become the foundation for a lasting career.
U.S. general maintenance & repair workers
148,700
projected job openings
each year, on average
From new jobs and the need to replace workers who leave these occupations.
Work that communities rely on.
Projected U.S. employment growth, 2025 to 2035
National projections for 2025 to 2035. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, General Maintenance and Repair Workers and Occupational Projections.
Help the next story begin.
Ryan’s journey shows what opportunity can make possible. Your support helps more young adults build a foundation through education, career training, and real work experience at YouthBuild Lake County.
