Tell us about your journey into the Oregon Laborers, what made you choose to become a construction craft laborer apprentice?
My step-dad is in the laborers union, and he made good money. I had just had a child and was struggling to support her and her mother, and my step-dad invited me to join so I could further accomplish that. I haven’t been out of work since I joined, and I have been able to support my family very well.

How has being in the apprenticeship program impacted your life?
Financially massively, but also just further improved my work ethic and quality of life. I have grown in many ways, and pride myself now on being the most dependable one out there.

What advice would you give others who are interested in joining our program or are just starting out?
Do not miss work. That’s 90% of the battle. If you show up every day, 15-30 minutes early; you will succeed with little more. Good attitude and motivation to learn will also shoot you forward. Some jobs will be better than others, some people will rub you the wrong way. You just have to smile and push through it, no job lasts forever and the next one could have the coolest boss or crew.

All in all, I would not be where I am today in my personal life, and the well-being of my family would not be as good as it is today without the program. For any kid or young man that is struggling out there, this is a way out to move forward in life.