Stand Up For Jobs: Iven’s Story
In 2023, Iven was already a successful client of the Urban League. Through the Center for Housing and Financial Empowerment, he had received financial counseling and was beginning his path to home ownership. He was working a “good job”, planning for a wedding, and focused on building a life with his soon-to-be wife. He volunteered to be an ambassador for the League’s Annual Report Luncheon, where he learned about our skilled trades program, Kentuckiana Builds, and saw potential to enter a new career field with opportunities for upward mobility.
The support of the Workforce Development team gave him the nudge he needed to take the leap, leaving the comfort of his current job to pursue something greater and to build a comfortable life for his family. Iven credits the mentorship he received from Program Manager Crystal with helping him update his resume to attract union recruiters, secure professional-grade tools needed to be site-ready, and identify opportunities in the construction industry that align with his long-term goals.
Today, Iven is a second-year electrical apprentice and a proud member of the IBEW. The apprenticeship combines both on-the-job and classroom learning with guaranteed work, great benefits, and a pension fund. He is also earning an Associate’s Degree from Ivy Tech, ensuring he has both the hands-on skills and the academic credentials to lead in his field.
“The biggest lesson I learned is that there are resources out there in the community to help you make a change, and to be a resource to others who want to make a change in their lives.”
With the support of the Urban League and the Kentuckiana Builds program, Iven boasts a profound sense of pride in himself, his career, and his role in the community. He is hoping to purchase a home next year and looks forward to building a legacy.
Iven Jessup,
KY Build Graduate 2024, FEC client
Kentuckiana Builds can prepare you for a quality profession like electrician, carpenter, fiber optic installer, welder and many more. We can equip you with the hands-on skills you’ll need for the job and connect you to local employers who are hiring. For more information and to join, visit lul.org/jobs/kybuilds or call 502-585-4622.