To all the young people out there who aren’t sure how to build a successful career for themselves, listen to my story. Not too long ago, I was just like you. Today, I am a Journeyman Industrial Electrician at MKD Electric. I’m making good money with benefits and there is a clear path for career advancement.
I grew up in Chicago. After high school, I wasn’t sure what to do or where to start. A lot of friends and young people from the neighborhood went down very destructive paths. I kept myself out of trouble for the most part, but I didn’t know how to get myself out of the cycle of minimum wage jobs and living paycheck to paycheck. I wanted more for myself. But I wasn’t sure where to go.
That’s when I found out about the Community Builders program. I enrolled and took the free, twelve-week course. I learned the basics of construction and specifically the electrical craft. The best part of this training was the fact that a job was waiting for me after I graduated.
It can be very hard for minorities to break into the construction industry, but Community Builders gave me that path. I had to take advantage of this opportunity. No one handed me anything. But I’m thankful that I was given the opportunity to prove myself.
I’m writing this letter for two reason. First, I want all the young people from disadvantaged communities to know that there is opportunity out there. Find a program like Community Builders that can be your launching pad.
But I’m also writing this letter because I’ve learned that politicians in Springfield are eliminating opportunities created by the Community Builders program through Illinois House Bill 3437. HB 3437 would prevent employers who provide opportunities to people like me from hiring graduates of Community Builders. It’s hard to believe that this program is at risk. It has done so much for me and many other Latino and African Americans.
Achieving success is about having that first opportunity to prove yourself. I hope Community Builders will be around for many years to come. Please call the bill sponsor Senator Hastings 815-464-5431 and urge him not to call HB 3437 for a vote.

Noe Salazar
815-516-7919
21078 Midhurst Lane,
Joliet, IL. 60435