Archive for category: Missouri Apprentice Ready Program

Training, Manufacturing, and the Benefits of a Career, Not a Job.

Life was good before Candy Harrison found out about the Missouri Works Initiative, but earning enough to support her family and afford reliable transportation were challenges that made her day-to-day life difficult. “I couldn’t afford reliable cars. Now I have two,” Harrison stated. After talking with Maggie Farrell, Director of the Apprenticeship Ready Program in Manufacturing, Candy learned that a career in the manufacturing industry could provide the pay, benefits, and opportunities that would allow her to support her family and live the life she wanted to live. 

The Apprenticeship Ready Program in Manufacturing program, provides career and life skills, professional mentorship, educational visits to manufacturing sites, and many more resources to give people in need of good jobs a jump start into preparing for and finding a great career in manufacturing. Candy’s group, the first class to go through the six-week program, came from all walks of life to learn the skills that would place them in a great career. The group “came together like a family,” she stated, as the class went on, and they learned and grew their professional skills together.

Learning on-the-job skills is a huge part of the program and helps students jump straight into their career confidently. One skill that sparked for Candy was identifying different gauges of wire, and learning why and how each is used to manufacture different products. Candy’s class also learned how to read and interpret blueprints, received industry-standard first aid/CPR and OSHA certifications, and learned math skills that manufacturing workers use every day on the job.

The manufacturing industry is one of the biggest in the world, and countless jobs utilize the skills learned in the Apprenticeship Ready Manufacturing Program. Candy and her class got to visit job sites like Southside Machine Works and Weis Offsite to get a look at the day-to-day operations of a manufacturing facility. They were able to take the lessons they had been learning and apply them to a real manufacturing line. This gives students a look at different industries is an important part of the process. “It’s ok to try different things until you find a good fit for yourself,” Candy said enthusiastically. 

After Candy graduated from the Apprenticeship Ready in Manufacturing Program, she found a great job as an electrical assembly technician at Darwin Chambers Company, which manufactures top-of-the-line cold storage rooms and units for research and medical care. “I’ll shout out everyone at the program, y’all have helped me in a major way,” said Candy, “I have a job that is great for my health, it has full benefits, and I can afford to support my family.” We are proud to have been a part of Candy’s journey to a great career and a better life! 

Start your journey here.

After her incarceration, Nicole focused on rebuilding her life. During her search for sustainable employment, she learned about the Missouri Works Initiative’s Apprentice Ready Program through the Keyway Center for Diversion and Reentry in St. Louis. “Valerie, a vocational specialist, gave me the information and support I needed to get started,” says Nicole.

The 5-week Apprentice Ready Program introduces individuals to the trades and unions. “I decided to apply because I have a background in the trades,” says Nicole. “It’s good work, good pay, and there’s always room to move up.”

“What I liked most about the program was that regardless of your situation, the people you meet genuinely want you to succeed and stay in touch,” Nicole shares. “Having someone in your corner like that makes a huge difference, and I’ll forever be grateful.”

The program changed Nicole’s life. “I know so much more about navigating union jobs now. I see the steps I need to take, which I couldn’t before. I was even offered a great job right away, which was amazing.”

If you’re seeking employment after incarceration, the Apprentice Ready Program might be the opportunity you need. Participants receive a bus pass, weekly stipend, and hands-on training to remove common barriers like transportation and financial strain. “If you want a career where your employer values you and your contribution, this is the place to start,” says Nicole.

Start your journey here.

Tylisha was looking for a career opportunity that offered a livable wage without requiring her to take on debt. When her roommate completed the Missouri Works Initiative’s Apprentice Ready Program, Tylisha felt inspired to apply.

“This is a 5-week program with exposure to each trade, and by the end, you’ll have a solid foot in the door of the construction world,” says Tylisha.

Throughout the program, participants gain hands-on experience, learn about the history of trade unions, and meet professionals in the field who answer their questions. They also receive a stipend, tools, and other essentials. “The program exposed me to every trade opportunity and provided information about contracted wages,” says Tylisha.

For Tylisha, the Apprentice Ready Program was the solution she needed. “It launched me into a career with zero college debt, livable wages, and great health benefits for my children and me,” she says.

If you’re looking for a creative, sustainable career without acquiring debt, consider the trades! “There’s no downside to completing this program,” Tylisha shares. “You’ll earn OSHA10 and First Aid certifications, as well as a trade future certification. Even if you don’t end up in construction, dedicating 5 weeks to learn something new is worth it!”

Start your journey here.

As a single mother of three young children, Bre was looking for a sustainable career that would empower her to provide for her family. “I heard about the Apprentice Ready Program in St. Louis through my son’s dad. He graduated and became a laborer,” says Bre. “I decided to apply because I love working with my hands and wanted to experience something new and different. So, I was willing to take a chance to better my future for my children and myself.”

Bre really appreciates that the Missouri Works Initiative is focused on helping others and having genuine people available who listen and understand. “What I liked most about the program is that my instructor, Ms. Aurora Bihler, took her job extremely seriously to help make sure we all did or had what was needed to succeed,” shares Bre. “She did that by going out of her way sometimes to help me take care of business so that I could be successful in the Building Union Diversity (BUD STL) program as well as out in the construction field.” 

Additionally, Bre appreciated the immersive aspects of the Apprentice Ready Program and access to necessary materials. “I enjoyed the hands-on activities we did, whether doing the tile for a floor mock up or making a mini air duct. I also liked how at the end of the program they pay for your exact tools which you will need on the job.”

Bre’s perseverance has paid off as she now enjoys a successful new career. Not only has she improved her life and the lives of her children, but she has advocated for pumping facilities on the job site, which paves the way for other mothers in the trades. “The program has changed my life because, since completing the program, I have become a painter,” shares Bre. “My children and I now have our own house and I’m able to provide for my family consistently.” 

Are you a single mom looking for a reliable career with great growth potential? Bre encourages you to enter the trades. “Join the Apprentice Ready Program, it’s a win-win situation! You’ll have fun, learn new and important information, and get access to various resources to help you succeed. It’s a great step towards a career.”

Start your journey here.

As a veteran, Jacob was looking for a fulfilling new career that would meet his financial needs. “I heard about the Missouri Apprentice Ready Program (MAR) for the building trades from an ad on Facebook,” he shares. “My girlfriend and I were both browsing on our phones when she told me about a really cool-looking program for the building trades. She showed me the homepage for the Missouri AFL-CIO, which displayed the pictures of past classes and a few resources they provide their applicants.”

“I decided to apply, because I was tired of dead-end jobs,” says Jacob. “I was tired of working hard for a temporary job that wouldn’t build me a career path. I realized that I was ready to start building a career to brighten the path to my future.” 

Jacob thoroughly enjoyed his cohort experience and learned everything he needed to know to begin building a new career. “After going through the program, I realized that I enjoyed the small class feel of the group,” says Jacob. “It made digesting material easier, and it allowed for open-floor discussions. This made it very simple to ask questions freely. I also enjoyed getting to familiarize myself with the trades we saw, many of which I did not know existed or knew little about.” 

After graduating, Jacob has settled in his ideal apprenticeship. “Since graduation, I have become an apprentice with the Local Carpenters Union here in Springfield, an honor I never dreamed of holding,” he says. “I have worked on a number of job sites in and around the Springfield area. I am currently employed with Zickel Flooring and plan to continue to build my career. Beyond the apprenticeship, I have been able to sustain myself and even grow financially as well as intellectually.” 

“If someone were to ask me about joining the Missouri Apprentice Ready Program,  I would highly recommend it. I’ve been able to change the trajectory of my life because of the resources provided to me by the Missouri AFL-CIO,” shares Jacob. “They will do everything in their power to help you succeed. If this is something you want–a career in the building trades–then this is a great path.”

Start your journey here.