Aliegh Monroe thought she had found a career that would last in the dental field. She had attended college but never completed a degree and found herself repeatedly feeling burned out by jobs that just didn’t cover the bills. In the back of her mind, however, was an interest that had been there for years: the skilled trades. “I always knew I wanted to work in the trades, but just never thought I had it in me to do so,” recalls Aliegh.

Growing up around construction through her father’s work, Aliegh was familiar with the trades but wasn’t sure how to turn that interest into a career of her own. While searching online for ways to get her foot in the door, she discovered Missouri Works Initiative through social media. “I signed up to make a change in my life, and to set myself up to build a career and future to better myself,” Aliegh said. After applying, she connected with Russ Unger, Construction Program Coordinator for Mid-Missouri, who helped guide her through the program, and later toward opportunities in the industry.

Aliegh hit the ground running in the program, visiting training centers gave her the opportunity to speak directly with instructors and industry professionals while gaining a better understanding of what they look for in apprentices. She also developed practical skills she could take directly to the jobsite, including properly reading a tape measure, construction math and understanding how to prepare for the expectations of an apprenticeship. 

The experience gave Aliegh the knowledge and confidence she needed to make the transition into a career in construction. Through the program, she connected with Millstone Weber and joined Laborers Local 955 in Columbia. Today, she works as a construction laborer in general highway construction. “My life has changed for the better,” Aliegh said. “I’m not struggling financially like I was beforehand. I love what I do every day.”

Finding the right career has also given her an opportunity to continue learning. Aliegh credits the crew she works alongside with helping her feel at home in the industry. “I got put with an amazing crew at my job, and they have been amazing to work with,” she said. “Learning with them every day has made the job so easy to fit into.”

Aliegh also credits Unger with helping her believe that a career in the trades was possible. “Russ Unger believed in me and gave me the opportunity to go through the program with him,” she said. “His teaching and guidance were a huge step in where I am today.”

Looking back, Aliegh hopes her experience inspires others who may be interested in the trades but aren’t sure whether they should take the leap. “The program is definitely worth the time for someone who is battling the back and forth in their head to do it. Take the chance and go after it.”

Aliegh is grateful for everyone who supported her along the way, including MWI, Millstone Weber, her crew and the people in her corner who encouraged her to pursue a new path. What began as uncertainty about whether she belonged in the trades has become a career she loves and a more secure future. Aliegh’s advice is to trust the process, believe in yourself and be willing to put in the work, even when the path isn’t easy. “Not every day will be easy,” says Aliegh, “but the program is definitely the right step in the right direction.”

Start your future. Click here to apply to MWI today!

For most of her working life, Diana Yamaya bounced between entry-level jobs in restaurants and retail. Despite her hard work and commitment to these jobs, she found herself living paycheck to paycheck, often feeling overworked and underpaid while struggling to maintain reliable health insurance. “I couldn’t afford college, but I still wanted a career that gave me a sense of purpose and also paid a living wage,” recalled Diana, “so I did everything I could to pursue a career in construction.”

Researching ways to connect with people in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Diana discovered the Missouri Works Initiative online, the program offered exactly the kind of introduction to the industry she had been looking for: “As someone with no background in construction and no relatives or friends with connections in the industry, this program was an absolute blessing and helped me get my foot in the door,” she enthusiastically stated. After connecting with St. Louis Apprenticeship Ready in Construction coordinator Jenn Clark Bader, Diana signed up and took her first steps towards her future career.

Throughout the program, Diana had the opportunity to visit various training centers and job sites, gaining firsthand experience with the kind of work she hoped to pursue as a career. “I liked visiting all of the different training centers and jobsites, and talking to so many people who were passionate about their work,” Diana recounts.

During the course, Diana learned how to read blueprints and use measuring tapes, and gained experience using tools ranging from hammers, wrenches, and levels to drills, grinders, PVC shears, and oscillating multi-tools. She even got to practice her nailing skills while building a small house with her cohort.

Some of the lessons that made the biggest impression on her had less to do with tools and more to do with becoming a dependable tradesperson, “The most important skills I learned in the program were the importance of always showing up early and staying busy. “Work hard, show up on time, and learn as much as you can from everybody.”

In January, she was hired by Guarantee Electrical and began working in telecommunications at the new Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, carrying the skills she developed during the Apprenticeship Ready Program into her new career; wiring speakers, terminating various connectors, installing cameras and nurse call systems.

Diana has found the stability she had been searching for throughout her working life, “I no longer worry about how I’m going to get my bills paid on time, and I can finally see doctors and dentists when I need to without the fear of going into deb. I am so grateful to have a good career and to finally be earning a living wage.”

Diana credits Jenn at Missouri Works Initiative with playing an important role in helping her reach that point. “She has helped me tremendously in jumpstarting my career…she is one of the biggest reasons I am where I am today in the IBEW,” Diana said. “It’s entirely possible to build a good life for yourself starting from nothing, regardless of your upbringing or skill set, as long as you never stop trying,” she said. “Work hard, take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, and count your blessings.”

Take the leap. Click here to apply to MWI today!

Tim Carter thought he was following the standard path to success as he finished his bachelor’s degree in accounting at Lindenwood University, but it didn’t take him long to realize that being in an office every day was not the future he wanted. “I wanted to find something I loved doing because when you love what you do, the work…becomes easy.”

Researching labor unions in St. Louis, Tim came to understand the impact of organized labor and developed a deep appreciation for labor history. Tim soon set his sights on becoming an electrician, while keeping his mind open to opportunities in other trades.

Tim spoke with the late Russ Signorio, then director of the Building Union Diversity Program (now known as the St. Louis Apprenticeship Ready Construction (ARC) Program). Tim was drawn to the program because of the wide array of opportunities it offered, including industry-standard certifications such as OSHA-10, CPR, and the Building Trades’ Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3). Later, Tim would reflect, “I signed up because this program helped guide me in the right direction.

The Missouri Works Initiative program gave Tim a close up look at a number of different trades, offering hands-on training as well as face to face experiences like, “being able to fraternize with past and current members, and being given a mentor to help me with questions throughout my journey of trying to get into trade work,” all of which helped Tim make his decision to build a career as a union electrician.

Through this program, Tim also learned soft skills and personal discipline that continue to carry him forward. “Something that was taught, and stuck with me was to know how to keep yourself busy…I also think the advice of making strong eye contact, speaking to be heard, and a strong, firm handshake took me a long way.”

After graduation, Tim found a career that worked for him as hard as he worked for Guarantee Electrical, where he is still working, thriving, and building his future.

Reflecting upon how the Missouri Works Initiative Program changed his life, Tim said, “I wake up everyday with a smile on my face because I know that I am going to enjoy the work I’m going to do. I’ve learned how to respect the men and women who build America more than I ever could have imagined. Lastly, I’ve created a pathway to the middle class.”

Tim would like to shout out his mentor, Sylvester Taylor, who recognized his passion for electrical work right away, and Jenn Clark-Bader, who has helped Tim to pass on his knowledge to future cohorts.

Tim Carter knows that his path was built in large part by all of the workers and educators who came before him and invested in his success, and he is proud to pay it forward. Tim now serves on the board of Missouri Works Initiative, where he invests his time and energy in developing the next generation of skilled workers while offering a unique and critical perspective on the program’s future.

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