Archive for category: Success Stories

Charlotte Frederick was no stranger to odd jobs. From babysitting and dog-sitting to jobs at an amusement park and Walmart, she was unsatisfied with the work and the lack of direction.

Upon learning about the Missouri Works Initiative and talking to Mid-Missouri Construction Coordinator Russ Unger, “a great instructor and just a good guy in general,” Charlotte decided to apply and start a trade career. The variety of trades Charlotte and her class got to learn about was a huge benefit of the program. “I had a vague idea of what I wanted to do, but being able to go through all the different work really helped me decide if I liked something or not.”

In addition to introducing the hard skills trades workers need on a job site; MWI helped Charlotte with the soft skills that help students on the job for sustained success. “The program helped me sound more confident when I was applying to my company. Yes, I was good at talking to people, but I was terrible in interviews because I was always scared of answering questions wrong”, said Charlotte, “With the program, we had seen so many people and did a lot of different activities, I realized as long as I’m confident in myself, I’ll be flawless in the interviews.”

That self-confidence helped Charlotte land a great career as a drywall finisher and taper, a job she’s still loving six months in. “When I realized that trades work is what I wanted to do, I had wanted to be a painter because my father was a painter, so was his dad, and his dad’s dad. Not only was it a generational thing, but my father died when I was young, and I was always finding ways of being closer to him. As much as I wanted to be a painter, I’m glad I’m a taper instead. It keeps me close to my father, since they’re the same union, but it still allows me to be my own person.”

The Missouri Works Initiative Program gave Charlotte the skills and the confidence she needed to find a career that invests back in her, not just a job that barely pays the bills. “Before MWI, I honestly thought I was going to end up as some gas station or Walmart employee for the rest of my life, but thanks to the program helping me, I’m now in a career I don’t plan on leaving until retirement.” 

Start your journey here.

Before joining Missouri Works Initiative, Alina’s life felt scattered. She had once worked as an executive chef at a country club, but in 2024 she was let go, and the loss shook her confidence.

“My life was all over the place,” Alina said. “I was in between a lot of jobs trying to find myself because I had lost who I was and I felt like I was worthless. It was a very hard time for me to start all over.”

She picked up work in other kitchens, but it never felt the same starting from the bottom again. She even tried an office job, but quickly realized that sitting at a desk wasn’t for her. “I like to work with my hands and move,” she explained.

Alina first discovered Missouri Works Initiative through Facebook. Wanting a new path that would be both steady and rewarding, she reached out and connected with Russ from the MWI team. That decision turned out to be life-changing.

She enrolled in the Apprenticeship Ready Program, where she especially enjoyed the hands-on experiences and opportunities to learn about the different trades. “It was fun,” she said. “I really liked the field trips and getting to learn about all the different trades.”

During her time in the program, Alina learned practical skills like drywall and framing—skills she now uses on the job every day. Today, she’s proud to be working with TJ Wies, doing framing and drywall at the Mizzou Stadium. Her chosen trade is carpentry with Carpenters Mid-America, and she is excited to be building a future she feels connected to. 

For Alina, Missouri Works Initiative provided not only skills but also confidence. “It’s a great program for people that are on the fence about joining a new career,” she said. “It shows you all the ins and outs, the information you need to know about all the trades.”

She credits Russ for helping her take the leap and guiding her through the program. “Definitely Russ,” she said when asked who she wanted to thank.

Alina’s story is proof that even when life feels like it’s starting over, there’s always a path forward, and sometimes, it begins with simply taking that first step.

Start your journey here.

Denise Whitener, a stay at home mom doing deliveries part time to supplement her income, had been interested in working in construction for “quite a while, and was looking for ways to skill up and prepare to get started in the industry”. She found Missouri Works Initiative through her interest in labor related pages on social media, and thought it matched her goals. “I signed up because I wanted to enter the construction field through the right door. I want to be a Union Construction worker.”

Through the Apprenticeship Ready Program in Construction, Denise got a taste of the different construction trades that could become her full time career through work site visits and hands-on lessons at training centers. “I enjoyed getting to view the different union training facilities,” she said, “I learned how to cut and set tile, bend conduit, and bend sheet metal!” 

Beyond the job-specific training Denise participated in, she was able to get industry-standard certifications that employers look for in a potential employee, giving her a leg up over other candidates, “obtaining a MEWP (Mobile Elevating Work Platform) certification, First Aid/CPR, and OSHA 30 Certifications helped with the interview process.”

Soon after her graduation, Denise’s new skills and certifications got her in the door and hired at a company that values her drive and her ability to take on any task.”I work for MoDOT Warrenton as a maintenance worker. We maintain the roads, performing pothole patching, bridge washing, indecking and sealing, mowing, hauling, ditching, and litter pick up…I now have a job where I can put my skills to use, and it has been rewarding. I am working towards my Class A CDL with several endorsements. I am gaining experience working in the field instead of inside a manufacturing plant, which I enjoy.”

Denise’s passion for the construction industry is driving her to further her skills and her career. “I am working towards becoming a Heavy Equipment Operator. That is my ultimate goal. I want to be a member of IUOE Local 513 and learn how to skillfully maneuver the beautiful giants that build our nation!” 

As she reflects on her time in the Missouri Works Initiative program, she wants to shout out, “All of the union locals for hosting us!” We want to shout out Denise for her commitment to following her dreams and taking charge of her future to build a better life.

Start your journey here.

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.