Before joining JARC, Olivia was navigating a sea of uncertainty. After high school, she was unsure of her path and wary of committing to college due to the high costs. “I was nervous about choosing a path,” she recalls. Olivia tried out a medical program at Malcolm X College but quickly realized that the medical field wasn’t her calling.
Her turning point came when her aunt introduced her to the Chicago Women in Trades program. “One day, we had a session on welding, and I fell in love with it.” Determined to pursue welding, a recommendation from her welding instructor, who had graduated from JARC, led her to make the decision. “She spoke so highly of JARC that I felt it was the right choice for me,” Olivia remembers.
”"JARC gave me a solid start in a field I’m passionate about. I have no debt and a promising career.”
Olivia
Olivia started at JARC in our Welding Program in November 2023. The program’s supportive environment made a significant impact on her. “Everyone at JARC was so friendly and passionate about what they do,” Olivia says. “It felt like they genuinely wanted me to succeed.” Her favorite aspects of the training were the hands-on experiences, particularly plasma cutting and various welding techniques. However, she faced challenges with anxiety. “I put a lot of mental pressure on myself, which made the tests stressful,” she admits. Despite the hurdles, her perseverance paid off. “When I finally passed my certification test, it was such a relief. I didn’t realize I had passed until I was handed a handshake. It was an incredible moment.”
During her time at JARC, Olivia received a range of essential support services that really made a difference.
She was given gas cards to cover her commute, steel-toed boots, and prescription safety glasses. In addition, she benefited from 15 employment coaching sessions, 3 financial coaching sessions, and 1 session of income support counseling. She also attended 8 workshops on topics like digital literacy, savings, and finances. After completing her training, Olivia landed a job at S&C Electric, working in the metal finishing department. “The job is challenging but rewarding. Starting at $24 per hour with opportunities for raises and advancement is fantastic.” Olivia enjoys her role and appreciates the company’s commitment to ongoing learning and professional growth. “S&C is a great place to work. They offer various ways to earn more and learn new skills,” she says.
Olivia didn’t stop at looking for a job; she returned to JARC for Saturday classes to continue her professional development. “I love coming back to JARC. It’s a great way to see my friends and learn new techniques like TIG welding,” she shares. Looking to the future, Olivia has clear goals. “I want to gain experience at S&C and eventually move into pipe fitting. Long-term, I hope to buy a house and retire comfortably,” she says. Her experience with JARC has been transformative. “JARC gave me a solid start in a field I’m passionate about. I have no debt and a promising career. If someone is considering JARC, I’d say go for it. It’s an incredible opportunity,” Olivia concludes.
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