Finish School
Get Paid
Learn a Trade
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Portland YouthBuilders provides job readiness training and high school completion support to motivated young people.

Take the first step toward your future and contact us today!

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What We Offer / Our Programs

Please call us at 503-286-9350 or email apply@pybpdx.org to get started.

Bridge to Construction

Bridge to Construction is a pre-apprenticeship job training program for people ages 18-26 with a high school diploma or GED living in Multnomah or Washington County who are motivated and willing to work hard to start careers in construction. 

  • 9-weeks of hands-on job training
  • Earn up to $15 an hour while you learn
  • Personalized career coaching
  • Receive industry recognized certifications such as BOLI, OSHA, and CPR
  • Direct and preferred entry into paid apprenticeships
  • Training starts every 2-months and meets weekdays from 8am-3pm
  • Completely free!
Learn More

YouthBuild

A job training program for young people ages 17-24 who want to finish high school and learn a trade. 

  • Finish your high school diploma or GED in 6-9 months
  • Earn up to $520 a month while you learn
  • Job training and industry recognized certifications in construction
  • Personalized career support
  • Enrolling every 2-months and meets weekdays from 8am-3pm
  • Completely free!
Learn More

Ready to apply?

Please call us at 503-286-9350 or email apply@pybpdx.org to get started.

Program Information

Getting started with Portland YouthBuilders

We have start dates for both Portland YouthBuilders programs every couple of months – so it’s never too late to apply! The first step is to contact us and let us know that you’re interested. We want to see that you’re motivated to do the work and in a place where you can succeed with our support. We’ll ask a few eligibility questions and be available for assistance throughout the application process.

To get started with either program at Portland YouthBuilders, contact our admissions team at 503-286-9350 or apply@pybpdx.org

Earn a stipend while learning in our free programs

Our programs are both totally free, thanks to our many generous donors. In fact, we’ll provide you with a monetary incentive for your time and labor during worksite training. The financial support we provide is designed to help you make the time and space to fully commit to our programs while attending PYB. 

Unlock job opportunities

Our goal at Portland YouthBuilders is to prepare our participants for stable careers. We understand that a high school diploma or GED is not always enough to gain access to living-wage employment, so we provide the job readiness training necessary to start a career.

Career Support

Every student at PYB is paired with a career advocate who will support you through the program and in your career beyond PYB.

Personal Support

Need food? Interview clothes? Mental health support? Your career advocate can help.

Application and Resume Review

Whether starting from scratch or updating an existing resume, we will help you stand out from the competition.

Financial Literacy

Learn how to prepare for your financial future.

Interview Preparation

Through mock interviews and personalized support, your career advocate is there to help you feel confident when meeting with future employers.

Networking Support

You gain access to our network of employer and job connections.

Alumni Services

Even after you leave PYB, we are here to help!

Program FAQ

Who is eligible to enroll in Portland YouthBuilders' programs?

Applicants to PYB’s YouthBuild program are 17-24 year olds in need of a high school diploma or GED. Applicants to our Bridge program are between the ages of 18-26 and have already completed high school. For more information about additional eligibility requirements, including necessary income and address information, contact us at apply@pybpdx.org or 503-286-9350. 

How do the YouthBuild and Bridge programs differ from each other?

YouthBuild is for people aged 17-24 who need to finish high school and who are interested in learning construction or technology. Bridge is for those aged 18-26 who have already completed high school and want help entering the construction trades. Both programs provide extensive support while in the program, career services to help students find a job or apprenticeship, and long term support after program completion. Reach out at apply@pybpdx.org or 503-286-9350 for more info.

How long do the YouthBuild and Bridge programs typically take to complete?

Bridge only takes nine weeks from start to finish. Our YouthBuild program is more individualized. While some people take up to a full year to complete YouthBuild, others are able to complete the program in six months or less. 

What support services does Portland YouthBuilders provide to students?

PYB students in both programs are held to high standards and are given lots of support to help reach those standards. Depending on a student’s need, PYB can provide assistance with food, transportation, clothing, unstable housing, medical issues, legal issues, and more. All students benefit from participating in an award winning program with a proven track record of success, with caring and professional staff. 

How much does it cost to attend?

Both Bridge and YouthBuild are completely free, thanks to our many generous donors. In fact, students are paid a monthly stipend so they can worry less about bills and focus more on their future. 

When can I start?

We welcome new students every few months so there’s always an upcoming program start date. Get in touch at apply@pybpdx.org or 503-286-9350 and we can give you the exact date of our next enrollment period. 

Student Stories

Bill’s Story

Bill’s Story

After growing up in a rough neighborhood, the loss of a childhood friend made Bill feel like he needed a fresh start. With the help of a family member he tried a few different times to get his life back but still found himself lacking motivation until one day…

Amber’s Story

Amber’s Story

Amber joined us as a single mother of two determined to create a better life for herself and her children. The fact is that our rigorous performance and attendance standards are challenging for all students, and particularly difficult for those…

Matt’s Story

Matt’s Story

Matt knew he wanted to work in the construction industry, he just didn’t know the best way to go about getting his foot in the door. By the time Matt had walked in our doors he had already spent quite a bit of his hard-earned money on a different training program and…

Bill’s Story

Bill’s Story

After growing up in a rough neighborhood, the loss of a childhood friend made Bill feel like he needed a fresh start. With the help of a family member he tried a few different times to get his life back but still found himself lacking motivation until one day…

Amber’s Story

Amber’s Story

Amber joined us as a single mother of two determined to create a better life for herself and her children. The fact is that our rigorous performance and attendance standards are challenging for all students, and particularly difficult for those…

Contact Us

To get started with Portland YouthBuilders, contact our admissions team at 503-286-9350 or apply@pybpdx.org.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Contact the Admissions Team Here

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Funding Disclosure

Portland YouthBuilders is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with Federal Law no person shall be discriminated against or denied benefits as a participant, administrator or staff based on age, disability, sex (including gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and pregnancy or childbirth), race/ethnicity, national origin (including limited English proficiency), citizenship or status as a lawfully admitted immigrant authorized to work in the United States, political affiliation or religious belief. Auxiliary aids are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TTY 1-800-735-2900. To place a free relay call in Oregon, dial 711.

The YouthBuild program is funded 40% through a Federal award of $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Labor–ETA for the YouthBuild Program Initiative, financed with funds provided through Worksystems from the U.S. Department of Labor, the State of Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission, and Prosper Portland.

The Bridge program is financed in part with funds provided through Worksystems from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA Nondiscrimination Statement), Washington County, Multnomah County, Prosper Portland, and TriMet. Both programs have also been made possible in part by support from the City of Portland, TriMet, the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund, the Portland Children’s Levy, the Oregon Youth Development Division, and the Bureau of Labor and Industries.

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PYB Main Campus

4816 SE 92nd Ave,
Portland, Oregon 97266

Map & Directions

Phone:

(503) 286-9350

TTY/TDD:

(800) 735-2900

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