Judy’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

Judy Randle had a decade of manufacturing experience when she took a break from paid work to raise her children. Returning to manufacturing after six years away proved more difficult than she expected. Rising childcare costs made it hard to justify returning to work, and finding an employer willing to look past a six-year gap in her employment history was daunting.

Then, Judy discovered Missouri Works Initiative’s Apprenticeship Ready Manufacturing Program and decided to take a chance on herself by enrolling. This would be the first step toward building a new future for her and her family.

Throughout the program, Judy received hands-on training designed to prepare her for a career in manufacturing. Judy earned in-demand certifications such as OSHA and CPR, and sharpened soft skills like teamwork, communication, and the importance of professionalism and showing up every day. Preparing for a career in manufacturing also meant learning hard skills like practical math, blueprint reading, and safety procedures.

The MWI team knows that developing practical skills are only a small part of what workers need to find and maintain stable careers. The ARM program also prepares participants for their job search. Judy was coached through resume writing, mock interviews, and presentations to help her develop the confidence needed to put herself back in front of employers after years outside the workforce.

Jobsite tours and opportunities to hear directly from speakers in the manufacturing industry also gave Judy a better understanding of the careers available to her and what she could expect day-to-day on the job.

For Judy, one of the most valuable parts of the experience was the people she met along the way: “I liked everything, but mostly the mentorship from Maggie Farrell, Mike Morris, and Jimmy Stroup,” she said.

After completing the program, Judy accepted a full-time position as an Assembly Mechanic at Boeing. For someone who had struggled to re-enter the workforce after years away, the opportunity represented much more than a new job. “The ARM program changed my life by giving me the skills and confidence to start a new career in manufacturing,” said Judy. “It landed me a full-time position, opened the door to new opportunities, and gave me a stronger foundation for my future.”

Judy credits the support she received through the program with helping her make the transition back to steady employment. In addition to the mentorship of Maggie, Mike, and Jim, she wants to give a special shoutout to Harriet, a driver with the program who connected with Judy and supported her every step of the way.

“I’m forever grateful for the opportunity I got from Missouri Works Initiative,” says Judy. For her, the program provided far more than a pathway back into the workforce. It gave her the skills, confidence, and foundation to build a brighter future for her and her family.

Start your journey here.