Tim’s Story: Missouri Works Initiative

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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