Archive for category: Success Stories

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Ronald’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

As a justice-involved felon, Ronald found it difficult to find life-sustaining employment after his incarceration. However, after hearing about the Apprentice Ready Program from his pastor at Brookline Church of Christ, he felt like it was something he needed to learn more about. “I ended up talking to Austin Fox (Missouri Apprentice Ready Program Instructor) about the program,” says Ronald. “I knew I needed a career, and this sounded like a golden opportunity.”

For Ronald, the Missouri Works Initiative Apprentice Ready program was everything he needed to build a foundation for future success. The 5-week program provided him with education on the unions, a weekly stipend, tools, and a hands-on introduction to all the trade options before him. “I liked everything,” says Ronald. “I really liked that we got to do hands-on and learn about the unions as a whole.”

After graduating from cohort 9, Ronald is now with IUPAT 2015, which represents glaziers and finishers in Southwest Missouri, Northwest Arkansas, and Northeast Oklahoma. Additionally, he was recently awarded credit towards his apprenticeship and is already a 3rd year apprentice after only four months on the job. “Now I have a career as a glazier with the IUPAT, and it’s helped me to grow into being a better husband, father, and productive member of society,” shares Ronald.

If you, a friend, or a loved one has been justice-involved and are seeking new career opportunities that will last a lifetime, The Missouri Works Initiative Apprentice Ready program provides everything you need to build a new beginning. Take it from Ronald, “Well, like I do say all the time at the union hall when I get to talk to the new classes, joining a trade for the union is a game changer!”

Start your journey here.

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Bre’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

 

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.

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Keon’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

Keon is a graduate of the Missouri Works Initiative’s very first Mid-Missouri Apprentice Ready Program cohort. “I had wanted to get into a union and learn more about them. I saw the program advertised online, so I signed up for it,” says Keon. “They were able to give me all the information I needed and help me get started.”

When asked about his favorite aspect of the Apprentice Ready Program, Keon shared that the opportunity to see the trades in action and meet union members really made an impression on him. “I liked how we got to visit different halls and sites,” he said. “We learned so much about all the different kinds of trades professions there are.”

Now that Keon has graduated, he is looking towards the future. “I got to apply to do something I like doing,” says Keon, “but I’m also looking forward to retiring one day with great benefits! I’m also OSHA certified and CPR/First Aid/AED certified as well.”

If you or someone you know is looking for a career that will last for the long haul, Keon encourages you to apply for the Missouri Works Apprentice Ready Program. “Do it!” Keon says. “It was amazing and you’ll learn a lot of things. It doesn’t hurt to try something new or to get more information about something you already know. There was a person named Doug Swanson who taught labor history to us and said that you should always want to know more!”

Start your journey here.

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Jacob’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

 

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.

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Partner Spotlight: Ashley Fleming

Reliable transportation is vital to obtaining and maintaining a job in the trades, especially in Southwest Missouri, where public transportation may be limited. A missed car payment, needed repairs, or money for a tank of gas could pose a seemingly insurmountable barrier for students in the Apprentice Ready Program. However, many Missouri Works Initiative students can overcome this challenge and graduate through the generosity of The Community Foundation of the Ozarks’ Let’s Get to Work grant program.

“In the Fall of 2021, the CFO hosted a series of donor education events focused on philanthropy and workforce development. Throughout the series, we heard from Springfield employers about the challenges they encounter in hiring and retaining employees. One of the recurring barriers was reliable transportation,” shares Ashley Fleming, CFO Grant Program Coordinator.

“In response, the CFO launched the Let’s Get to Work grant program,” says Ashley. “The grant program provides funding to nonprofit agencies, including the Missouri Works Initiative, working with low-income individuals in acquiring or maintaining employment by supporting related transportation expenses, including anything from paying for insurance costs and licensing fees to paying for car repairs, to purchasing e-bikes,” she says. “The goal of the grant program is to help individuals experiencing job loss or reduction of hours due to lack of reliable transportation move from unemployment to employment, or from part-time employment to full-time,” says Ashley. 

With barriers like reliable transportation removed, graduates of the Apprentice Ready Program continue to build better futures for themselves, their families, and the Ozarks as a whole. MWI appreciates the CFO grant to support its students entering and completing construction apprenticeships.

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Sisters in Recovery, Whitney and Esbeydi’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

 

When Kansas City Apprentice Ready Program graduates Whitney Leaming and Esbeydi Villalobos first heard about the Missouri Works Initiative, the new friends were seeking a brighter future for themselves and their children. Both were residents of Amethyst Place, which provides transitional housing and support for women and their children while the women are in recovery from substance use disorder. When Amethyst Place began an expansion project, Whitney and Esbeydi met Kansas City Program Coordinator Rudy Chavez. 

The women of Amethyst Place consider themselves sisters, and for Whitney and Esbeydi, joining the Missouri Apprentice Ready (MAR) Program not only provided the opportunity to give back to the place that had given them a fresh start but also helped them each create a foundation for sustainable careers. “I had already had ideas on wanting to be in construction – I just didn’t know what part or what union or how it worked. I really had no idea or information on any of it,” says Whitney. “While listening to Rudy, something just clicked, and I knew I wanted to help build Amethyst Place and become a part of the unions.”

For Esbeydi, who had just gotten her GED, the MAR Program was exactly what she sought. “I wasn’t interested in going to college. I wanted a career path that would pay me to learn a skill set,” she says. “I really liked that the program let us visit all the trades. We got to learn what they do and what they have to offer and try it hands-on for ourselves. That was the most fun!” 

Since completing the program, life has drastically changed for the better for both Whitney and Esbeydi. “ Before I started with the laborers union Local 264, I was on government assistance,” says Whitney. “Now I am fully self-supporting. I can afford to pay for my daughter’s child care and all the food for myself and my family. I even have health insurance through the Laborers. I do not need government assistance, which gives me all the confidence in the world that I can support my family as a single mother.” Esbeydi is now part of the local 124, The Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. “I am a pre-apprentice working and learning to be an electrician, and I love it. My kids are watching me grow, which makes me so happy. This program helped me find a career where I enjoy working because I want to learn. I am very thankful.”

If you are curious about the trades and looking for a sustainable, life-changing career, Esbeydi and Whitney encourage you to find out more and take a chance. “If you’re considering doing the program, do it,” encourages Esbeydi. “It will change your life like it changed mine. You will be so happy you did!”

“I would absolutely encourage you to try it out,” says Whitney. “The worst case scenario is you get $500 for doing the program, and you get to learn about all these different careers and life paths you can take. The world is doing nothing but getting more expensive, and the Union definitely lives up to the idea of taking care of its people,” she says. “Also, you get to earn while you learn. Even with zero experience, you can make money just starting because the union has standards on how much somebody should make based on their work, not the color of your skin or whether you’re male or female.”

Start your journey here.

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Sammy’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

Struggling to find gainful employment after his incarceration, Sammy heard about the Apprentice Ready Program, called Building Union Diversity (BUD) in St. Louis, from his pastor. “I was convicted of a felony,” Sammy shares. “When I got out of prison, I had difficulty finding good work.” Sammy, a father of five children ranging in age from toddler to teenager, worked two jobs but wasn’t earning enough. He was in desperate need of a sustainable career that would make it possible for him to support his family.

The Missouri Works Initiative’s BUD program was the solution Sammy sought. The 6-week program provided him with education on the unions, a bus pass, a weekly stipend, and a hands-on introduction to all the trades. “They took a chance on me and allowed me to change my life. Joining the BUD Program is the best decision I’ve made,” says Sammy. “I graduated from the program on a Thursday and started work the next Tuesday.” 

Sammy is now a laborer with Bommarito Construction and a member of Local 110. “I didn’t have to do it alone,” says Sammy. “I had a great mentor named Rodney Griffin with Local 110. I’ve been in the field for six years now, and I’m able to be a mentor to new students. I share my experiences and help students understand the simple rules and etiquette of the work site, like the importance of being on time and staying off your cell phone. It’s great to help someone else succeed and build a new life.”

If you have experienced incarceration and feel like you’re facing an uphill battle in securing a sustainable career, Sammy wants you to know that you have options. “It can be better,” he says. “ I had friends on probation who are electricians now. If you’ve got someone willing to provide you with the opportunity to be successful, you should take it! The BUD Program did that for me.”

“I used to have a job, but now I have a career. You can have one, too,” says Sammy. “Go be a carpenter or electrician or ironworker. They can provide you with the best possible career in the trades. Making $45-50 an hour is some real motivation. The BUD Program trains you for free in five weeks. You’ll have a career. You just have to apply yourself.”

Start your journey here.

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Riley’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

Riley was looking for a more fulfilling career and had been thinking about pursuing a trade, though she wasn’t sure which one would be the best fit for her. “I was looking at the Missouri Works Initiative’s website and saw their recommendation of the program in St. Louis for women interested in the construction trades,” shares Riley. “I thought the program would help expose me to all my options and help me make an educated decision.”

Throughout the program, Riley got all the information and support she needed to make the best career choice. “I valued how much Aurora and the many guest speakers shared their experiences and advice on succeeding in this industry. I think the amount of information and training we received also made me more qualified and confident to start an apprenticeship,” says Riley. “Being able to visit different job sites and trade school locations helped me visualize and balance my interest in each trade. But I think most importantly, because of the program, I gained connections to people who are rooting for my success as a tradeswoman.”

Now, Riley is thriving in a satisfying and sustainable career as an apprentice with Mid-America’s Carpenter’s Regional Council Local 92. “I now have a career that I enjoy, and I feel a deeper sense of purpose,” Riley says. “I don’t think I would have had the motivating force to pursue carpentry on my own, considering I didn’t have any connections to Union tradespeople nor the level of confidence and knowledge that the program encouraged. At the end of the day, I have a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, and I am also the strongest and in the best physical condition of my life.” 

Are you a woman interested in a career in the trades but need help figuring out where to start? You can find the answers and directions, just like Riley did. “Whatever your situation may be, I believe everyone has something to gain from the program,” says Riley. “You will have to be respectful of yourself, show up, and be ready to work the program, but six weeks isn’t that long of a commitment considering the time in the Apprentice Ready Program in St. Louis will set you up for a career that may positively impact the rest of your life.”

Start your journey here.

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James’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

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.

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Jihu’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

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.”

Start your journey here.

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