Works Initiative News | Worker Wellness & Career Opportunities

Kaylah’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

After completing her military service, Kaylah struggled to find sustainable employment. She was tired of having limiting jobs that she didn’t see herself staying in for the long term. “I heard about the Missouri Works Initiative’s Apprentice Ready Program in St. Louis through my aunt who knew I was looking for a career in the trades. She mentioned a job fair that the program was going to be a part of,” says Kaylah.

“I love the diversity of this program and its ability to give individuals opportunities that they may not have known about before joining,” Kaylah shares. “This program has changed my life tremendously. I had just finished my military mobilization in Fort Bliss, Texas and arrived back home. Despite my service, I could not find a decent job for myself. After joining the MWI’s Apprentice Ready Program in St. Louis, all of that has changed for the better.”

Now, Kaylah is enjoying financial stability in a highly specialized field. After graduation, Kaylah joined the Elevator’s Local Union #3, which is one of the most difficult apprenticeship programs to enter. “The door this program opened for me has not only helped me financially, but mentally as well. I now have the career that is right for me,” says Kaylah.

If you are looking for a sustainable, rewarding career, Kaylah encourages you to consider the MWI’s Apprentice Ready Program and a union apprenticeship in the trades. “I would say do it! Not a lot of people know about the Apprentice Ready Program in St. Louis, but if there were a lot more people who knew, it would be life changing for many.”

Start your journey here.

November 8, 2023/by Braxton Payne

Missouri Apprentice Ready Program, News, Success Stories

Ryan’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

After serving in the United States Army and recently coming off of active duty, Ryan began the search for a new career. “I was scrolling social media, and a post for the Missouri Works Initiative’s Apprentice Ready Program popped up on Facebook. I had always been fascinated by building and woodworking and had a desire to learn more about it, so I knew I wanted to eventually join the Carpenter’s Union,” says Ryan.

Impressed by the hands-on experiences and helpful perks like a $150 tool allotment, two pairs of Carhartt jeans, and a pair of high quality boots, Ryan was sold on the program. “I really like that it’s hands-on. When we visited the union halls, they had building projects set up for us that let us experience a bit of what it would be like to work in different fields. The Union business agents came in and explained more about the unions and professors came in and explained the history of the unions and why union workers are desirable, sought out professionals.”

After graduating the program, Ryan has been placed with Carpenters 945 and Carson Mitchell Construction. “My life has changed so much for the better,” Ryan shares. “I have so much less stress. I love being an apprentice with the Carpenter’s union – I absolutely love it. It’s fun to learn more about what you’re doing, and I’m setting personal goals. I want to reach superintendent level, and the education and resources that are available to me now will help me get there.”

Ryan highly recommends the MWI’s Missouri Apprentice Ready Program to anyone looking for a new career – especially men and women coming out of the Armed Forces. “I absolutely recommend the Missouri Works program to anyone looking for a good career. Not only do they pay you a weekly stipend, but getting your OSHA, TAN, and CPR certifications knocked out sets you up for a great future!”

Start your journey here.

November 8, 2023/by Braxton Payne

Worker Wellness News

Wellness & Well-being Highlights November 6

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of November 6, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics concerning how the change from Daylight Savings Time physically and mentally influences your life to about how marijuana may do more harm than good when it comes to anxiety to how ride-share companies have been called out for issues related to wage theft. Today, I wish to shed some light on the topic of understaffing pharmacies across our communities. Have you been to a neighborhood pharmacy lately? It is not a stretch to suggest that what you will find is akin to 1920s sweatshop conditions! Too often, I have observed 1 pharmacist overseeing 3-4 pharmacy technicians behind the counter with little time to assist me: the patient. Furthermore, mainly because of COVID, several chains have added duties to the pharmacist’s to-do list in order to generate additional revenue: Think vaccines. In turn, there is less time for the 1 doctoral-level professional on-duty to address the specific health needs of her/his patients in a thorough, compassionate manner…ultimately impacting the safety and quality of life of both patients and employees! So, once again, we are confronted with the issue of worker shortages. However, if you dig deep enough, you will find there are plenty of pharmacists in this nation but few who are willing to work under the aforementioned conditions. Therefore, not unlike the nurses who are leaving their profession in droves, we are losing more institutional knowledge in this realm due to a healthcare system that arrogantly continues to place profits over people!

Sources: https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/cvs-walgreens-pharmacy-employees-work-2bae98d2?reflink=integratedwebview_share

https://the1a.org/segments/pharmageddon-and-the-future-of-retail-pharmacies/

The DST switch (1)

The DST switch (2)

The DST switch (3)

Children / PTSD / War

FAA / Pilots / MH

OH / Families / Addiction Strain

White House & Narcan in Schools

Loneliness & Addiction

MH Parity Compliance?

Insurance Cos / White House / MH Care

Anxiety & Marijuana?

Paradox of Compassion

On Giving Compliments

Impact of short-staffing Pharmacies (1)

Impact of short-staffing Pharmacies (2)

Hospitals & Drug Shortages

Update: Sickle Cell & Gene Editing

Infant deaths on the rise

Understanding “Intersex”

Maine Shooting & US Reaction

TBIs in Construction

College students & Unionization

UAW’s Young Activists

Toyota Workers Get Pay Bump

Tesla v UAW?

Portland / Teachers / Strike

Wage Theft & Uber

Construction / Amazon / Noose

Defined Benefit Plans Revisited

What is “Quiet Cutting”?

Update: Parent Plus Student Loans

Upcoming webinars, etc.:

Fitness & Nutrition Mythbusters

QPR: Suicide Prevention Training

NOTE: The links provided above are for informational purposes only. None of these serve as a substitute for medical advice one should obtain from his/her own primary care physician and/or mental health professional. Please contact johngaal@moaflcio.org with related questions or comments.

November 6, 2023/by Braxton Payne

Missouri Apprentice Ready Program, News, Partner Spotlight

Missouri Works Initiative Partner Spotlight: Greg Burris

“Our role is to help with up front needs assessment and to assist students throughout their classroom experience by helping them overcome any barriers that would prevent their participation,” says Greg. “ We connect them with hotel rooms, transportation, or other resources in our community that they need. We want everyone who starts the program to finish the program because we think it’s a game changer.”

Missouri Apprentice Ready helps build community ownership by changing lives with sustainable career opportunities, which aligns with United Way’s upstream focus of helping individuals overcome the barriers to self sufficiency. “I have personally seen lives changed because of the Missouri Apprentice Ready program. Individuals go from living in cars or couch surfing to financial independence, and we think that is amazing,” says Greg. We help with housing, transportation, food insecurity, and whatever is necessary to keep them in class.”

One of Greg’s favorite moments in the program is graduation. “That’s when you see it all come together. Friends and family come to the ceremony to celebrate students and what they’ve accomplished. The trades are there too–not only to celebrate, but to offer jobs. These are the goosebump moments because you have people who have gone through the program showing what they can do, and the labor trades are pitching them job offers. Sometimes graduates have multiple offers to choose from when a few weeks before, they had no stable job prospects,” says Greg. “They are quickly in a position to have a level of ownership in their community and help spread hope to others, coming full circle. Helping your neighbor weaves a tighter social fabric that benefits everyone.”

Start your journey here.

November 1, 2023/by Braxton Payne

Missouri Apprentice Ready Program, News, Partner Spotlight

Missouri Works Initiative Partner Spotlight: Justin McCarty

After being modeled on the successful BUD program in St. Louis, the Missouri Works Initiative brought the Missouri Apprentice Ready program to Springfield in 2021. “The MO AFL-CIO gave a presentation at the Springfield Building Trades meeting. I remember after the meeting all the trades were very interested in this program, and being able to help those who may not know how to enter the construction trades, or who may not know about an apprenticeship,” says Justin. “The Missouri Works Program is a great way to explore different trades and discover which one is the best fit for you. This 5-week program provides essential safety training and detailed information about multiple trades, giving you a chance to learn and understand their unique characteristics.”

Justin’s family has been in the plumbing and pipefitting industry since 1913. “I am a 5th generation Local 178 member, but I initially struggled with the idea of pursuing a career in this field. Eventually I recognized that my current job was not a sustainable career that could support a family and finally decided to pursue an apprenticeship. I began as a helper for a shop, doing tasks like sweeping floors, delivering materials, and assisting Journeymen in their work.” Justin was eventually accepted into the apprenticeship program, marking the beginning of his career in the field. “The benefits, such as retirement, health care and continuing education have been great. Nowadays, I take pride in driving my children around and pointing out buildings, proudly yelling, ‘I helped build that’.”

“As the President, I want to recognize that the hardworking men and women of the Springfield Central Labor Council are the backbone of our organization,” says Justin. “We are constantly seeking new ways to improve our relationship with our communities and members. We collaborate with other groups to identify ways to build a better community and work with local elected officials to set policies that benefit everyone without hurting the working class. Ultimately, we all share the same goal of creating a better future for our families and community.”

Start your journey here.

November 1, 2023/by Braxton Payne

Missouri Apprentice Ready Program, News, Partner Spotlight

Missouri Works Initiative Partner Spotlight: Rosanna Privitera-Biondo

When approached by Rudy Chavez with the offer to become a supporter of the Kansas City area Missouri Apprentice Ready program, it was an easy yes for Mark One Electric President and CEO, Rosanna Privitera-Biondo. “We had worked together previously through IBEW Local 124 and wanted to move forward,” says Privitera-Biondo. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to help find future tradespeople in Missouri – they offer 20-plus trade opportunities!”

A trusted Kansas City electrical company, Mark One Electric believes in the Missouri Apprentice Ready program and illustrates their support by providing their local program with a space to meet and conduct training. But they don’t stop there. Additionally, they give students and instructors access to necessary tools and equipment at no charge to the program.

Founded in 1974 by Rosanna’s parents, Carl and Josephine Privitera, Mark One has been giving back to the Kansas City area for decades. They began by servicing small business, commercial and industrial accounts and quickly developed a reputation for completing difficult jobs for demanding clients and were soon working in major plants and industrial facilities across the country. Mark One has continued to evolve and diversify, offering an impressive scope of electrical construction services from design, build and pre-construction to underground, data/communications and specialty systems.

With over 200 employees they are considered the specialty contractor of choice for the Kansas City construction community. “We care about the people of Missouri. We want to give them opportunities to work with their hands in a good industry that has many opportunities in the construction industry,” says Rosanna. “This program is helping by educating people about all the opportunities that the construction industry has to offer for tradespeople. It shows them that this is a good field to work in with endless possibilities.

Mark One Electric has hosted two cohorts and always engages to support students’ career readiness. They currently employ two Missouri Apprentice Ready Kansas City participants – Cohort 2 graduate John Weir and Cohort 5 graduate Naomi Alexander who are IBEW 124 apprentices. “If you’re looking for a way to start a career in the union trades and gain valuable connections that carry on even after you graduate, then this program is where you want to be,” says Naomi.

Start your journey here.

November 1, 2023/by Braxton Payne

Missouri Apprentice Ready Program, News, Success Stories

Keseanna’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

Struggling to make ends meet with her previous job, Keseanna was hopeful when her mom shared a Missouri Works Initiative Facebook post with her. “I wasn’t having the best experience at my job, so I decided to give this program a chance and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life,” she says.

The hands-on experiences with different trade experts and the fact that the 5-week program provides necessary items like PPE helped Keseanna pave a path for success in carpentry. “Rudy and everyone involved with the Missouri Works Initiative helped me elevate and I couldn’t be more grateful. This is a brilliant program from brilliant people,” says Keseanna. “I would like to build my own house one day and I’m positive this will help. This career will get me that plus more.”

“It’s changed my life tremendously! I went from not knowing which way to go, to having a full blown career. I’m grateful for the experience and the whole staff behind this program. I’ve been so in shock and emotional since I’ve been on this journey. I have never earned over $15 an hour before or been so hands on. I’m grateful for that and always will be. When I was in high school I wanted to be an architect, so to learn the ins and outs of building is an experience I’ll always take with me,” shares Keseanna.

If you are ready for a rewarding, life-sustaining career, Keseanna encourages you to follow her lead. “This is a program you literally can’t lose at. It’s nothing but a good experience and opportunity. It’s too good to pass up. If you’re a hard worker and hands on, this is perfect for you and can be a huge benefit to your life.”

Start your journey here.

November 1, 2023/by Braxton Payne

Missouri Apprentice Ready Program, News, Success Stories

Ciji’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

“As a single mom, I used to work two jobs without benefits and still couldn’t afford my own place to live,” says Ciji. After completing the five week Apprentice Ready Program, she is now employed full-time with Laborers 663, including benefits. Having achieved the economic stability to provide a home for her family and regain custody of her son, Ciji is no longer uncertain of the future.

Wanting to create a better life for herself and her son, Ciji didn’t know where to turn until her Kansas City halfway house counselor gave her an Apprentice Ready Program flier. She quickly moved to Springfield and joined its first cohort. She was mildly concerned about being a woman pursuing the building trades, but as she made connections through the Missouri Works Initiative and United Way of the Ozarks, she grew confident in her decision. As for the physicality of the work, Ciji says the experience “…has taught me that I can work just as good as a man.”

After a week of orientation, Ciji was able to visit each trade, eventually choosing the Labor Union. “I do a lot of concrete, demolition, commercial remodeling, and job site cleanup. I like that every day I can do something different,” she says.

Ciji is already looking to the future, when one day she hopes to become a foreman. She says, “I’d love to be able to work my way up the ladder–to accomplish that. My life now is so much better than the life I was living. The pay is great, I have job security, and everyday is a new learning experience. If you’re out there considering this program, just do it! Quit putting it off and take that first step!”

Start your journey here.

November 1, 2023/by Braxton Payne

Worker Wellness News

Wellness & Well-being Highlights October 30

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of October 30, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics on how the poor well-being of workers has been linked to chronic health conditions to how stigma continues to take a toll on both pilots and construction workers to how prisons are partnering with colleges to assist inmates with earning degrees. Today, I wish to shed some light on the topic of mental health and how non-traditional entities within our communities have stepped up to address a major public health crisis across the USA. During COVID, I noticed that St. Louis County Public Library offered a series of webinars covering aspects of mental health on a regular basis (i.e., stress management, nutrition, yoga, etc.). Having time on my hands, I participated in most of what was presented by various partnering regional agencies. To this end, it was no surprise that when I visited my local branch, a few weeks ago, they were providing Harm Reduction supplies (i.e., Narcan) as well as private appointments with licensed Social Workers free-of-charge. When I was I child, I never viewed my public library as a source for anything but books or a quiet place to study. Now, it warms my heart that an entity so remotely related to mental health (at least in my mind) is filling a much-needed void because federal government officials and/or agencies have failed to respond in a timely/appropriate manner. A sign of the times seems to be that teachers and police officers must ‘double-up’ as social workers, firefighters as paramedics, librarians as mental health supporters, and so on. Whether or not this phenomenon is due to a lack of funding, a worker shortage, or because humans are such complex beings a true professional can no longer remain occupationally myopic, I am proud to see that leaders in my community broke away from turf-mentalities and rigid job descriptions, in the name of the greater good, to serve their patrons…many of whom NEED—but cannot afford—these resources!

Source: https://www.wsj.com/health/healthcare/library-services-homeless-mental-health-e1f513b7

Public Libraries & Mental Health

Homelessness & Brutal Winters

Food Insecurity

Employers target HC costs

Employers & Harassment, etc.

Workers / Poor Well-being / Chronic Conditions

MH & HC Workers

MH / Struggling Pilots / Stigma

MH Stigma in Construction

Meta sued for MH harm to Youth

Teens / Parents / Tracking Phones

Update: Military Suicides

PTSD Support

Employers & Naloxone in the Workplace

Safe Drug Consumption Sites?

Suboxone & The crime of diversion

Babies Impacted by Opioids

Update: Tranq in Philly

>100k OD Deaths & Congress has NO answer!

New Movie: Pain Hustlers

Menopause Hormone Therapy & Dementia

Women & Stroke Risks

Healthy Short Runs

Climate Anxiety & Therapy

On increasing worker power

Final Rule on Davis-Bacon

Update: UAW & Ford

Update: UAW & Stellantis

Update: UAW & GM

OSHA Fines in Q3-2023: STL Contractor

RTO’s impact on Retirement

College Behind Bars (1)

College Behind Bars (2)

College Behind Bars (3)

College Behind Bars (4)

Russia & Prison Labor

Mixed message: Team v Me

Just leave me alone!

Gaming the H1-B visa program

Why employees ignore perks

Gen X’s differing benefits

Wellness & Well-being Highlights October 23

Wellness & Well-being Highlights

for the

Week of October 23, 2023

This week’s edition of our Worker Wellness & Well-being blog consists of topics on how the early 1980’s misguided “War on Drugs” has failed generations of US citizens to how aimlessly spending time on your phone (aka doomscrolling) is considered a new 21^st century addiction to how matters concerning race and ethnicity have changed over the past 200 years. Today, I wish to shed some light on the importance of YOUR input. I realize we all have limited time to deal with issues that at first may appear to be less urgent/important to one’s immediate wants/needs/desires. Today, if you are connected to the STL construction industry I respectfully ask that you participate in the first survey linked below. And, on any level, if you are involved with construction apprenticeship programs, I kindly ask that you participate in the second survey linked below. Believe me, input from our readers from past surveys has swayed how the construction industry moved forward. Case in point: Consider where we were 7 years ago on topics of mental health, opioids awareness, and suicide prevention vs where we are today. Earlier this past week I spoke with a couple of trusted colleagues/friends. When it comes to the construction industry, we agreed that the time has come to stop talking about DEI and start acting…based on evidence!

Sources: https://www.constructforstl.org/survey-benchmarking-construction-culture/

https://research.ifebp.org/s3/App24?utm_campaign=2024%20Apprenticeship%20-%20101923_Reminder&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

Narcan on College Campuses

Fentanyl & Failed Policies

Opioids Settlement: Another Pharma Files Bankruptcy

Unintended use of Opioids Settlement funds?

MH / TikTok / Harvard

Troubled Teens: Trauma v Therapy

Helping Anxious Kids

Women / Inflation / MH

Gradual Onset Stress

Mindset Worker MH: Finances