I heard the announcement on the radio about the Major Opportunities program that trains people for construction jobs. I wrote down the number and called them. I was trying to support my family – my wife and three little children – working in a warehouse, doing shipping and receiving – and I really needed more income. The Ivy Tech training took 12 weeks. I had never worked in construction before, and it was tough, especially the math, but I kept focused. I had a lot of support from my wife; she understood I was doing this for our family.<p>I finished my apprenticeship in carpentry, and the people in charge of the program at Ivy Tech helped me look for a job; they try to help students after they graduate. I found a good job working as part of a construction project, working on a bridge that’s part of a building project in Cloverdale. </p><p>I’m not a member of the union yet, but Ivy Tech has helped me prepare and I’ve taken some of the tests and gotten started on joining. The union people come in and talk to the students about how to get jobs and union membership. </p><p>This is a good opportunity, especially for people who have just finished high school. I’m older than that, but I would give this advice: If you don’t want to go to college full-time or you can’t afford it, you can still have a career. You can find a good job with this Ivy Tech Major Opportunities program. You have to be willing to pay the price because it’s hard work – too many people want everything to be easy, but if something is worth having, it usually means you have to work for it. </p><p>I have a much better income now and a real career. It was worth all the time studying hard and keeping focused. </p><p>My diploma is hanging on the wall in our house. I want my accomplishment to be an example to my children. That was my personal goal as a father. I want them to see this piece of paper, because it will encourage them to accomplish something too. They can see I started something and finished it, and they can do the same thing. </p><p>I tell them, “It’s up to you.” That’s what I would say to anyone who’s thinking about making a change to improve their life or help their family: It’s up to you.</p><p></p><p> ---Victor Castro</p><p> Apprenticeship Program, ‘08</p><p></p>
Success: Major Opportunities changes lives