By Daniel Trotta

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – From the moment he got busted for robbery, Tevin Banks said he knew his life would have to change. Now he’s on a path that could help Los Angeles rebuild from its worst natural disaster in history.

Banks, 21, from the South Central L.A. neighborhood of Watts, is learning construction skills under a program designed to help at-risk young adults, while also addressing the increased labor demand for rebuilding following January’s wildfires that destroyed or damaged an estimated 13,000 homes on the eastern and western flanks of the city.

Rebuilding has yet to begin in earnest as homeowners have needed time to clear debris and settle insurance claims. Construction should ramp up in 2026 and 2027, real estate experts say.

Meantime, the program known a

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