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!

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.

Start your journey here.