Diana’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

For most of her working life, Diana Yamaya bounced between entry-level jobs in restaurants and retail. Despite her hard work and commitment to these jobs, she found herself living paycheck to paycheck, often feeling overworked and underpaid while struggling to maintain reliable health insurance. “I couldn’t afford college, but I still wanted a career that gave me a sense of purpose and also paid a living wage,” recalled Diana, “so I did everything I could to pursue a career in construction.”

Researching ways to connect with people in the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), Diana discovered the Missouri Works Initiative online, the program offered exactly the kind of introduction to the industry she had been looking for: “As someone with no background in construction and no relatives or friends with connections in the industry, this program was an absolute blessing and helped me get my foot in the door,” she enthusiastically stated. After connecting with St. Louis Apprenticeship Ready in Construction coordinator Jenn Clark Bader, Diana signed up and took her first steps towards her future career.

Throughout the program, Diana had the opportunity to visit various training centers and job sites, gaining firsthand experience with the kind of work she hoped to pursue as a career. “I liked visiting all of the different training centers and jobsites, and talking to so many people who were passionate about their work,” Diana recounts.

During the course, Diana learned how to read blueprints and use measuring tapes, and gained experience using tools ranging from hammers, wrenches, and levels to drills, grinders, PVC shears, and oscillating multi-tools. She even got to practice her nailing skills while building a small house with her cohort.

Some of the lessons that made the biggest impression on her had less to do with tools and more to do with becoming a dependable tradesperson, “The most important skills I learned in the program were the importance of always showing up early and staying busy. “Work hard, show up on time, and learn as much as you can from everybody.”

In January, she was hired by Guarantee Electrical and began working in telecommunications at the new Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, carrying the skills she developed during the Apprenticeship Ready Program into her new career; wiring speakers, terminating various connectors, installing cameras and nurse call systems.

Diana has found the stability she had been searching for throughout her working life, “I no longer worry about how I’m going to get my bills paid on time, and I can finally see doctors and dentists when I need to without the fear of going into deb. I am so grateful to have a good career and to finally be earning a living wage.”

Diana credits Jenn at Missouri Works Initiative with playing an important role in helping her reach that point. “She has helped me tremendously in jumpstarting my career…she is one of the biggest reasons I am where I am today in the IBEW,” Diana said. “It’s entirely possible to build a good life for yourself starting from nothing, regardless of your upbringing or skill set, as long as you never stop trying,” she said. “Work hard, take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way, and count your blessings.”

Take the leap. Click here to apply to MWI today!