James was always curious about the trades, but wasn’t familiar with how to become an apprentice. “I had always thought you had to have a relative get you in,” says James, who was having trouble finding sustainable employment. “But, one day I was at a baby shower at the YMCA and saw a flier on the wall. I reached out, had an interview, followed up and got into the cohort.”

The diversity of the program really impressed James. Having the opportunity to familiarize yourself with each trade before making a decision really helped me make a confident choice. “I like that it teaches you about all 13 trades, you get to visit most union halls and talk with apprentice instructors, try a little dry wall, brick laying, virtual welding – it’s really hands-on. They help you prepare for the math aptitude test, provide interview training, and explain what to expect at the job site. They walk you through the unique culture and etiquette of the trades – how to conduct yourself professionally.”

After graduating the MWI’s Apprentice Ready Program, James is now an apprentice with the Sheet Metal Workers, and he couldn’t be happier. “I love it! It’s something that I look forward to every day,” James shares. “It doesn’t feel like work. It’s practical and easy to understand. The more you get into it and repeat the work, you just get better at it. I walked in really green, without much construction experience, but none of the workers gave me a hard time. As long as you show up eager to learn, they don’t judge you for that. It’s been great. I love it.” 

Looking to the future, James is enjoying more stability, more money, and is looking forward to his future. “I’m able to provide insurance for my daughter and myself. I’m also engaged, so I’m looking forward to being able to provide insurance for my entire family,” he says. “It gives me so much to look forward to. Working with the journeymen gives me an idea of what my life will be like if I stick with it. They encourage me and tell me how much I can make. I’ve  been committed to other things longer with less to show. Seeing the light at the end of the tunnel is a lot of motivation.” 

If you are curious about the trades and are looking for a reliable, life-changing career, James wants to encourage you to take that first step. “If you are looking for a career that’s going to increase your income – as long as you’re ready to show up on time for the rest of your life, this is something you need to get into. If you’re ready to commit, sign up already!”

Start your journey here.

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.