The structures Yvenson Louis helps build will eventually become homes, gathering places, and part of vibrant communities; that is what makes a career in construction meaningful for him. Having grown up in Boston, he is especially motivated by the opportunity to contribute to his city and help provide housing for those in need.
Yvenson found his way into construction through YouthBuild Boston’s Pre-Apprentice program, where he gained foundational skills and professional experience that prepared him to enter the industry. After graduating in 2023, he joined Dimeo as a Project Engineer Apprentice, beginning a three-year journey that has exposed him to the many facets of general contracting.
Dimeo’s Construction Management Apprenticeship, the first of its kind in New England, allows apprentices to combine full-time work with structured training, building their knowledge through classroom instruction and hands-on experience. For Yvenson, that has meant gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the construction process, both in the office and out in the field.
Over the course of his apprenticeship, he has gained experience with scheduling, requests for information (RFIs), submittals, and the day-to-day coordination that keeps projects moving. He has also acquired a wealth of knowledge from the people around him, learning from both his own victories and mistakes and those of others. Each lesson has helped him better understand how the different pieces of a project come together.
His assignments have also introduced him to different market sectors, from residential construction to higher education. He began his time at Dimeo working on Whittier Apartments and has since contributed to other residential projects, including 775 Huntington Ave, an affordable housing development in Boston that remains a personal favorite of his. He is now working on a residence hall at Brandeis University as he prepares to complete his apprenticeship.
Next, he will continue at Dimeo as a Project Engineer, with the long-term goal of becoming a superintendent. Yvenson knows there is still much to learn and is looking forward to working alongside others, expanding his knowledge, and continuing to develop his skills.
For him, that growth is directly connected to the impact he hopes to make through his work.
“The more I learn, the better I can become at helping others,” Yvenson said. He sees becoming a more knowledgeable and efficient builder as a way to contribute to projects that provide people with homes. The more he develops his skills, the better equipped he is to help deliver buildings that serve a real purpose in people’s lives.
That commitment to serving others stretches beyond the jobsite. Yvenson remains actively involved with YouthBuild, welcoming new cohorts, attending community events, and leading site visits that introduce students to construction firsthand. Having experienced the program, he understands the value of helping young people find a path into the industry and feel supported as they take their first steps.
He has now taken that commitment a step further by joining YouthBuild’s Board of Directors as a representative. In this role, he has the opportunity to contribute to a program that helped shape his own future while connecting with students and younger people as they explore their next steps.
Yvenson hopes to show others that a successful career doesn’t have to follow a single path. For those interested in construction, he recommends YouthBuild as a place to gain a steady foundation. From there, he sees Dimeo’s apprenticeship program as an opportunity to continue learning on the job, develop professionally, and work toward long-term career goals.
Reflecting on his own experience, Yvenson describes the impact in terms that go beyond the workplace. His journey has brought growth in his knowledge, maturity, and financial independence, changing not only his career prospects but also how he sees his future.
