04/28/2026
In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, we’re proud to highlight an inspiring story from YouthBuild—one that shows the power of opportunity, mentorship, and determination.
It all started on a neighborhood basketball court, where friends Jamari and Jacaree were shooting hoops. Jamari shared how the YouthBuild program at GABTA was opening doors for him in the trades. His enthusiasm was contagious. For Jacaree—who was unsure about college and weighed down by the cost—that conversation became a turning point. What happened next is a testament to what’s possible when individuals are given the support, training, and encouragement they need to thrive.
GABTA YouthBuild Testimonial – NAW 2026
Neighborhood friends Jamari and Jacaree were shooting hoops when Jamari shared his experience in the YouthBuild program at the Georgia Building Trades Academy. Jacaree was considering college, but the cost was daunting. Jamari's enthusiasm was contagious – he talked about the hands-on training, supportive team, and pathway to a lucrative career in the trades.
That conversation sparked something in Jacaree. He joined GABTA and dove into the program, earning certifications like MC3 and OSHA 30, and even got help getting his Georgia driver's license. "The staff at GABTA helped me get the certifications I needed to qualify for the trades," Jacaree says.
He applied to IBEW 613 in Aug 2025, and by September, he was placed with a contractor, kicking off a bright future with guaranteed yearly raises and full benefits, including pension. At first, getting to work was a challenge – he was relying on friends, Uber, or the bus. But his determination paid off: he recently passed his first semester at AEJATC with a 90 on his final exam.
Jacaree's supervisors are impressed with his work ethic and eagerness to learn – he's exactly the kind of person they'd want on their team. "The staff at GABTA made sacrifices and went out of their way to make sure I was ready for the real world and the trades," JaCaree says. GABTA prepared him for the real world, teaching him how to overcome obstacles and be a leader. The effort didn't go unnoticed. At his YouthBuild graduation in March 2026, Jacaree was awarded a vehicle, a game changer that embodies the idea that "transportation equals transformation." Now he's rolling to work in style.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity GABTA provided and for the staff who invested their time and effort into helping me succeed," Jacaree says. His friend, Jamari is thriving alongside him as an apprentice with IBEW 613 too. This program changes lives. Jacaree's success shows what's possible when we're given the chance to thrive.
~ Kristi Mullins
To learn more about apprenticeships in Georgia, visit: https://www.tcsg.edu/for-students/apprenticeship-programs/
More about National Apprenticeship Week: https://www.apprenticeship.gov/national-apprenticeship-week
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