Access to pre-apprenticeship program helps those interested in skilled trades

Lonnie Baker decided to pursue a career in plumbing after talking to his uncle about entering the skilled trades. PHOTO PROVIDED BY RISE STRATEGY GROUP.
Lonnie Baker decided to pursue a career in plumbing after talking to his uncle about entering the skilled trades. PHOTO PROVIDED BY RISE STRATEGY GROUP.

Access to pre-apprenticeship program helps those interested in skilled trades

By Tia Carol Jones

Lonnie Baker wasn’t sure what he wanted as a career choice. So, he decided to attend South Suburban College. He took a few classes, which gave him some insight into other career paths.  It wasn’t until he had to get work done on his property that he pinpointed plumbing as a career.

Baker’s uncle was the reason he considered going into a skilled trade. He was an electrician, who talked to him about the trades. It made Baker think more about entering the trades. Baker is very active and likes working with his hands. So, he thought plumbing would be a good field to enter.  Baker was connected to HIRE360 through a church member who worked with HIRE360 in the past. Baker reached out and was set up with a case worker.

HIRE360 is a nonprofit that provides case management and support to those interested in skilled trades through partnerships with skilled trade unions. Participants receive paid on the job training. To participate, a person must be authorized to work in the United States, possess a current driver’s license and be 18 or older, with a desire to work in the construction field. Past participants have gone on to start their own businesses and have careers that have changed the trajectory of their families.

While Baker didn’t score high enough on the plumber’s test in March 2022, he decided to reapply again in November of 2022.

“I just felt there was something about the plumbers, it was the best trade for me. I wasn’t going to let that first try knock me down. That was my first test for any trade. It just really put something in me to not give up and to keep going,” he said.

Baker’s family was another reason why he didn’t want to give up. With the help of HIRE360, he participated in the pre-apprenticeship program to prepare for the Aptitude Test. He also received certification in First Aid/CPR and OSHA10. In April, he found out that he was accepted into the Plumbers Local 130.

Math wasn’t Baker’s strong suit, in the HIRE360 program he received help with math. He practiced in his free time, and he is grateful to HIRE360 for the assistance.

HIRE360 has a partnership with Plumbers Local 130 and Baker, along with six other people, were able to take advantage of the orientation program and participate in the Plumber Apprenticeship School. Baker encourages others who are interested in the skilled trades to connect with HIRE360. “They will give you the necessary components you need to take the next step and give you the tools to get into whatever trade you want to get into. They will give you the information you need to complete the journey successfully. They really have helped me along the way,” he said.

For more information about HIRE360, visit www.hire360chicago.com.

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