Jihu Yin recently immigrated to the United States in pursuit of better opportunities for building a brighter future. As English is not his first language, he began taking English classes at Fern Ridge ESL school, where his employment consultant recommended the Missouri Works Initiative’s Apprentice Ready Program to him.

“Because my work background is related to equipment, I decided to apply,” says Jihu. “I really enjoy the diversity. My mentor, Aurora, has encouraged us to practice almost all trades, and through practice, each of us can find the direction we hope to pursue. Moreover, the apprenticeship system provides every one of us with the opportunity to learn and progress. As our skills improve, our wages will increase, and each of us in the program can see hope for our future.” 

After completing the program, Jihu has become an apprentice with Plumbers and Pipfitters 562.  “Through this project, it can be said that my career choice in life has been ultimately determined. I have not only improved my professional skills, but my language skills have also been improved by interacting with my colleagues day by day, and I am very grateful for their patience. Secondly, I have a normal income, my credit is constantly improving, and I am proud to have a tax record. I was also able to take out a loan to buy an apartment, which are all benefits this project has brought me.”

If you are also new to the United States, Jihu encourages you to explore career opportunities with the Unions through the Missouri Works Initiative Program. “I want to say to others who are considering this project, don’t hesitate. This union is a warm family. After joining this project, your life will become more stable and your personal rights as an employee will be protected through your union and union representatives. As long as we work hard, each of us will have a decent life. At the same time, we will also contribute our own strength to the entire society through the union.”

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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!”

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“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.” 

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