Archive for category: Success Stories

Tim Carter thought he was following the standard path to success as he finished his bachelor’s degree in accounting at Lindenwood University, but it didn’t take him long to realize that being in an office every day was not the future he wanted. “I wanted to find something I loved doing because when you love what you do, the work…becomes easy.”

Researching labor unions in St. Louis, Tim came to understand the impact of organized labor and developed a deep appreciation for labor history. Tim soon set his sights on becoming an electrician, while keeping his mind open to opportunities in other trades.

Tim spoke with the late Russ Signorio, then director of the Building Union Diversity Program (now known as the St. Louis Apprenticeship Ready Construction (ARC) Program). Tim was drawn to the program because of the wide array of opportunities it offered, including industry-standard certifications such as OSHA-10, CPR, and the Building Trades’ Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3). Later, Tim would reflect, “I signed up because this program helped guide me in the right direction.

The Missouri Works Initiative program gave Tim a close up look at a number of different trades, offering hands-on training as well as face to face experiences like, “being able to fraternize with past and current members, and being given a mentor to help me with questions throughout my journey of trying to get into trade work,” all of which helped Tim make his decision to build a career as a union electrician.

Through this program, Tim also learned soft skills and personal discipline that continue to carry him forward. “Something that was taught, and stuck with me was to know how to keep yourself busy…I also think the advice of making strong eye contact, speaking to be heard, and a strong, firm handshake took me a long way.”

After graduation, Tim found a career that worked for him as hard as he worked for Guarantee Electrical, where he is still working, thriving, and building his future.

Reflecting upon how the Missouri Works Initiative Program changed his life, Tim said, “I wake up everyday with a smile on my face because I know that I am going to enjoy the work I’m going to do. I’ve learned how to respect the men and women who build America more than I ever could have imagined. Lastly, I’ve created a pathway to the middle class.”

Tim would like to shout out his mentor, Sylvester Taylor, who recognized his passion for electrical work right away, and Jenn Clark-Bader, who has helped Tim to pass on his knowledge to future cohorts.

Tim Carter knows that his path was built in large part by all of the workers and educators who came before him and invested in his success, and he is proud to pay it forward. Tim now serves on the board of Missouri Works Initiative, where he invests his time and energy in developing the next generation of skilled workers while offering a unique and critical perspective on the program’s future.

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Serena Green needed a fresh start after spending two years in prison and struggling with addiction. “I never had a working life before,” Green stated. She learned about the Missouri Works Initiative through her employment specialist and made a connection that changed her life. After speaking with Rudy Chavez, Construction Coordinator in Kansas City, and Jordan Baker who works with local contractor JE Dunn, Serena joined the Apprenticeship Ready in Construction Program for “a fresh start.”

Missouri Works Initiative is proud to provide students like Serena with work and safety gear, assistance with transportation, mentoring, and more. Serena brought a strong work ethic, a willingness to learn, and a can-do attitude towards coursework and training that carried her through graduation to employment. From the classroom to on-site visits at training centers and job sites, Serena and her class got hands-on experience with a variety of construction trades and skills. Serena took a special interest in grading, cement finishing, and electrical insulators. These are just a few of the skills her group had an opportunity to work on and learn about.

The Missouri Works Initiative program taught Serena more than hands-on skills; she spent time learning about soft skills like “time management for sure, eye contact, preparation,” as she stated in her interview. The interviews are an important part of the curriculum. Serena stated to “never go into an interview blind, do your research on (the job) you’re interviewing for and the company.” Part of the apprenticeship program is helping graduates find a career after completing the program, but it’s up to the students to research, prepare, and interview with a potential employer on their own and showcase the skills they have learned in their coursework.

After graduation, Serena secured a job as a union laborer with LiUNA Local 264 doing everything from cleaning up job sites to moving furniture with general contractor JE Dunn Construction, “great company by the way,” adds Serena. This job was life-changing for Serena, “I now have a car, looking for my own place, and I now have security knowing I’ve started my career as a (union) laborer.”

Serena wanted to thank Rudy Chavez, Jordan Baker, and the whole Missouri Works Initiative family for their help in getting her on her feet and into a rewarding career, “Thank you Missouri Works Initiative for giving me a fresh start in life…this program gave me a second chance and I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity.”

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Before connecting with Missouri Works Initiative, 27-year-old Trent Krantz was working full-time but knew something wasn’t right.

“I had no path forward in that career,” Trent said. “Healthcare was minimal or not offered at all, my wages couldn’t support my growing family, and it felt like I needed to make a change for the sake of my own and my family’s future.”

That change came by chance. One day, while searching online for career opportunities, Trent stumbled across Missouri Works Initiative.

“I found MWI seemingly by accident, just by searching the internet for anything to point me in the right direction towards a more fulfilling career. It seemed like a perfect fit at the perfect time.”

He hadn’t spoken to anyone at MWI before applying. Instead, he read through the website and articles to learn as much as he could. When his interview came around, Trent was eager to ask questions and left impressed by the people behind the program. “All of my questions were answered, and then some, by the awesome crew there at MWI.”

Trent said one of the things he valued most about the program was the sense of community. “It felt like I was in community with everyone there, all the time. I left every conversation with something to think about, and I was encouraged to bring something to the table myself every day. Great things can be done when we’re all working towards the same thing.”

Along with encouragement, Trent gained both technical and life skills. He learned how to apply math and problem-solving to real world challenges, read blueprints, and use the tools of the trade to get the job done. Just as important, he learned to advocate for himself.

“A big thing they stressed at MWI is that you have to advocate for yourself. If you have questions, ask them. If you need help, ask for it. People are willing to help you and the trade doesn’t move forward without that passing of knowledge. As soon as I understood that, it felt like a huge piece of the puzzle slid into place. Most importantly, as cliché as it sounds, don’t underestimate how important it is to listen, and show up.”

Today, Trent is proud to be working at Dema Engineering as a CNC machinist, represented by Machinists District 9. “I feel like I finally have a clear vision of where I want to put my time, energy and passion. To have a career that I genuinely enjoy and have a passion for feels great. Most importantly, I’m confident in my ability to support my family.”

Trent is quick to credit the people at MWI who helped him get here. “Everyone who makes the wheels turn and keeps the operation going are amazing. I had an amazing time with Maggie, Mike and Jim of the manufacturing program. Everything they do is in service to their students and I could always tell they were truly passionate about what they do.”

And when asked for one last piece of advice, his answer was simple. “Join a Union.”

If you’re ready for a change like Trent, Missouri Works Initiative can help you find your path forward.

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Jacolby Lewis was in a difficult place, both in his work and his personal life. He was unhappy at his current book factory job, “…it wasn’t the best, but it was good for just graduating high school…it was kind of like a dark cloud when you walked through those doors.” Jacolby had also suffered a recent tragedy with the passing of his two-week-old son. “It was like everything went downhill from there; it felt like everything was just crumbling down, and I wasn’t satisfied with life. I just gave up, I lost a lot of motivation and the drive to do anything.”

Seeking a new start, Jacolby kept seeing the Missouri Works Initiative on his social media, “I was seeing it as a sign to give it a try.” After a conversation with Mid-Missouri Construction Coordinator Russ Unger, Jacolby was sold on the program, ”I signed up because the way he explained the program, it seemed almost perfect. I could get a great career, I’d always be learning something new, and I could pass it on.”

Jacolby appreciated the hands-on nature of his classes, “I liked the program because it wasn’t just sitting in a classroom listening to an instructor the whole time, it was a lot of hands-on and going on job sites. When we did sit in the class, it was very informative and we did a lot of group work.”

 As Jacolby progressed through the Apprenticeship Ready Construction Program, he learned real-life, hands-on skills like, “bricklaying, some heavy equipment operations, mudding walls, I also built a toolbox with the Sheet Metal Workers, and a lot more.” Beyond on-the-job skills, Jacolby learned soft skills and life lessons that would help him land a great career: “never have a fixed mindset, always be willing to learn, and if you’re on time, you’re late!”

After completing the program and graduating with a new set of skills and a renewed motivation, Jacolby Lewis found a sustainable career as a Laborer with LiUNA Local 662 doing heavy highway construction for contractor Millstone Weber. His new career has been more than a source of income, it’s been a new start and a motivator to continue to succeed. “My life has changed in a good way since I’ve started. I’m more motivated to get up and get to it instead of dreading my days away.” 

We are so proud of Jacolby and the progress he has made in both his career and his personal life, and he expressed his gratitude to the Missouri Works Initiative team that helped him find a new path, “I’d like to shoutout everybody that in the Missouri Works Initiative program who took the time out to be able to make this happen for me and others.” 

Jacolby’s advice to others out there who are struggling with hardship and need a new start? “Life has its ups and downs, but nobody’s holding you back. It’s really you vs you so get up and get to it!”

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As an immigrant, Jeffrey had earned a degree in architecture before coming to the United States. He learned about the Apprentice Ready Program through Facebook and decided to apply.

“I am keen to acquire new skills and gain insights into construction methodologies and practices, as well as the building materials prevalent here in the U.S.,” says Jeffrey.

“I appreciated how the program introduced us to various trades by organizing visits to their facilities and providing valuable insights,” he adds. “Engaging in hands-on experiences within those fields was really interesting. I also commend Mr. Russ Unger, our program coordinator, who shared his extensive knowledge of building construction and demonstrated great patience throughout the program.”

During the 5-week course, Jeffrey immersed himself in the world of the trades. The program supports students like him by removing barriers to success. Along with education on the trades and unions, the Apprentice Ready Program provided Jeffrey with a stipend, a bus pass, and work tools. With worries about cash and transportation out of the way, he was able to fully commit to the program and gain the most from his experience.

Now that Jeffrey has graduated, his life—and his family’s lives—have improved tremendously. “I am able to financially support my family while continuing to gain knowledge and experience in my chosen field,” he says. Not only is Jeffrey working in a field he’s passionate about, but he’s earning a reliable, life-sustaining wage that will empower him to build the future he envisions.

If you are new to the United States and seeking a career, Jeffrey encourages you to apply, “This program will provide you with the necessary information and confidence to choose the trade you’re interested in,” he says.

Start your journey here.