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welding

Andrea Tovar
In Baltimore, Success Stories

Mario’s Success Story

Before Mario found JARC Baltimore, life was uncertain. After a work injury at a seasonal factory, he was laid off and took on odd jobs to get by. “Before that I was working in a seasonal factory. I had an on-the-job, work injury, so they laid me off.” When a friend told him about JARC, he decided to give welding a try. “I liked what I was hearing, and I jumped on it,” Mario recalls. Expecting book work, he was surprised to find hands-on training that he loved. “When I saw the hands-on, I automatically fell in love with it because that’s the type of stuff I like to do, working my hands, and I can build stuff, break it down.” His instructors, Miss Kay and Miss Synnamin, provided crucial guidance. “They did a wonderful job helping me better understand everything, fusion of metal, the machines, everything.”

”JARC Baltimore to me means family... They go out their way to make sure students are good in all aspects, personal and school-wise.

MarioWelding Graduate at JARC Baltimore

”When I saw the hands-on, I automatically fell in love with it because that’s the type of stuff I like to do, working my hands

MarioWelding Graduate at JARC Baltimore

Although the first two weeks were nerve-wracking for Mario, he stayed focused and committed. “Once I really took a step back, listened to my teachers, and tried what they suggested, after that it was smooth sailing.” His dedication paid off: “I passed certification the first test plate I sent through.” Support at JARC went beyond training. “Everyone was wonderful. If I needed help with questions, anything about school or personal, people went beyond their measures to make sure not just me, but everyone was taken care of.” Mario even helped fellow students, calming frustrations and offering hands-on help. During his time at JARC, he received 17 income support sessions, along with one-on-one coaching in employment and finance. He also participated in 26 workshops focused on financial literacy, job readiness, and educational growth.

After graduation, JARC’s job placement team helped Mario find welding opportunities.

Despite some setbacks, he persevered. A call from Brian Miller at Local 219 changed everything: “I just got a phone call from Mr. Brian saying, ‘meet me here,’ and the next day I was a career apprentice with Western Industrial Union Local 219 making $17.60/hr.”

Now, five months in, Mario is thriving as a pre-apprentice welder and assembler, earning over $18.54 per hour. “I love it because I see all this working in my hands… Western has good people who don’t criticize you and are willing to help if you don’t know.” Mario’s life has improved in many ways. “Financially, physically, it did wonders. I bought another car, so I got two cars, me and my wife. Physically, I’m getting stronger from the heavy lifting.” He also treasures diversity at work. “I love meeting different people from other states and parts of the world, learning their culture and language.”

When asked what JARC means to him, Mario says without hesitation: “JARC Baltimore to me means family… They go out their way to make sure students are good in all aspects, personal and school-wise.” His advice to others is simple: “You must be willing to put the time and effort into it because they expect the same commitment from you that they give to teach us. Just show up on time, be willing to learn, and have a good attitude.” Thanks to JARC, Mario isn’t just building metal structures; he’s building a stable, fulfilling career.

Olive Dwan
In Chicago, Success Stories

Kendall – Success Story 

Kendall

When Kendall lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic, his future felt uncertain. He was on probation, working through a temp agency, and trying to figure out his next move. That’s when his probation officer introduced him to JARC. “When COVID hit, they laid me off from my job. So, I’m like, okay, I might as well go to school.” Kendall enrolled in JARC’s Welding Program in 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. Welding had always been something he was curious about. “It was something that I always wanted to try to pick up anyway,” he said. With no work and the chance to pursue a new path, Kendall gave it a shot.

”“JARC is the place to help you move your life forward.”

KendallJARC Chicago, Welding Graduate

Training wasn’t easy. Kendall faced real challenges learning the hands-on techniques that welding requires. “You have to weld something, then pour water and make sure you have no holes…I had to do that a few times before I got it,” he said. But with support from the JARC team, including staff like Liz, who stayed in touch and checked in regularly, Kendall was able to persevere thanks to the direct financial assistance JARC provided to help cover his bills while he was in training. During his time in the program, Kendall received 8 employment coaching sessions, 3 financial coaching sessions, and 6 income support services. He also attended 40 workshops covering topics such as financial literacy, digital literacy, budgeting, saving, networking, online professionalism, work ethic, and resume writing. “They even helped me with my bills that I had at the time because I wasn’t working. Liz helped me a lot,” he explained.

As a result of this support, Kendall made significant strides in his financial health. His career is steady, his family has grown, and he has a strong sense of purpose.

As a result of this support, Kendall made significant strides in his financial health. When he first came to JARC in 2020, his credit score was 685. Just six months later, it had increased by 41 points, reaching 726. By October 31, 2022, his score had risen to 760, and most recently, as of March 29, 2024, it climbed to 768, reflecting a total improvement of 83 points since beginning his career with JARC.

After earning his certification in 2021, Kendall began his career as a forklift operator earning $17.35 per hour. His journey then took him from Illinois to Texas, where he earned his commercial driver’s license (CDL) and transitioned into truck driving, making $26 per hour. Today, Kendall calls Ohio home and has been with the same company for nearly three years. His career is steady, his family has grown, and he has a strong sense of purpose. “I work for Welch Packaging, currently making $28/hr. I’ve been working with them as a driver. Next month makes three years,” he shared proudly.

When asked what advice he’d give others thinking about JARC, Kendall doesn’t hesitate: “It’s the perfect opportunity for you, and I’m gonna tell them just how much JARC helped me. I would suggest anybody to it, for real.” If he had to sum up what JARC means to him in one sentence? “Opportunity. If you want to move your life forward, JARC is the place to help you move your life forward.”