The current system allows that if you are an authorized user it will be included in your credit score. However, that person with the original card had to have a perfect and long history for it to do the most good.

But this loophole is being closed. As of September, Fair Issac who does the FICO Score will use new calculations that will not include authorized users. Even if you were to be added today, it takes about 30 days to be reported to the credit reporting agencies. So by the time they do report it, FICO scores will be using the new calculations and it won’t do you any good.

I suggest getting a credit card yourself. Using it only for things you need, and pay it in full monthly.
You may have to get a secured credit card.

Another option is to have someone co-sign a loan for you.

http://www.thecreditcardtorebuildcredit.com/categories/bad_credit_credit_cards

Even then the person adding you would have to have good credit with along payment history on the credit card to do you any good.