The NextGen Builders Initiative is Memphis Dawah Association’s flagship workforce development program, designed to give Memphis youth the tools, training, and confidence to build a future of stability and pride. At a time when too many young people in our community lack access to career pathways, this initiative offers a solution rooted in hands-on training, mentorship, and opportunity.Through pre-apprenticeships in carpentry, HVAC, electrical work, plumbing, and small engines, NextGen Builders equips young people with industry-recognized certifications that lead directly to employment. Students earn while they learn, gaining both technical expertise and life skills that prepare them to thrive in Memphis’s growing job market.What makes this program unique is its community-centered model. Training is delivered in trusted neighborhood spaces, with guidance from skilled instructors and mentors who understand the challenges facing our youth. By blending traditional trades with emerging fields like robotics, the program bridges generational knowledge with modern opportunity—ensuring that no young person is left behind as industries evolve.