Archive for category: Success Stories

 

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.

 

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.

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.