Denise’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

Denise Whitener, a stay at home mom doing deliveries part time to supplement her income, had been interested in working in construction for “quite a while, and was looking for ways to skill up and prepare to get started in the industry”. She found Missouri Works Initiative through her interest in labor related pages on social media, and thought it matched her goals. “I signed up because I wanted to enter the construction field through the right door. I want to be a Union Construction worker.”

Through the Apprenticeship Ready Program in Construction, Denise got a taste of the different construction trades that could become her full time career through work site visits and hands-on lessons at training centers. “I enjoyed getting to view the different union training facilities,” she said, “I learned how to cut and set tile, bend conduit, and bend sheet metal!” 

Beyond the job-specific training Denise participated in, she was able to get industry-standard certifications that employers look for in a potential employee, giving her a leg up over other candidates, “obtaining a MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) certification, First Aid/CPR, and OSHA 30 Certifications helped with the interview process.”

Soon after her graduation, Denise’s new skills and certifications got her in the door and hired at a company that values her drive and her ability to take on any task.”I work for MoDOT Warrenton as a maintenance worker. We maintain the roads, performing pothole patching, bridge washing, indecking and sealing, mowing, hauling, ditching, and litter pick up…I now have a job where I can put my skills to use, and it has been rewarding. I am working towards my Class A CDL with several endorsements. I am gaining experience working in the field instead of inside a manufacturing plant, which I enjoy.”

Denise’s passion for the construction industry is driving her to further her skills and her career. “I am working towards becoming a Heavy Equipment Operator. That is my ultimate goal. I want to be a member of IUOE Local 513 and learn how to skillfully maneuver the beautiful giants that build our nation!” 

As she reflects on her time in the Missouri Works Initiative program, she wants to shout out, “All of the union locals for hosting us!” We want to shout out Denise for her commitment to following her dreams and taking charge of her future to build a better life.

Start your journey here.