Success Story
Yuliana
Yuliana Barrios has had jobs before. What she learned at BY Construction Training has given her something better: a career.
“I just wanted to make my career and take that big step,” she said.
The position she got at Trim and Carpentry in Indianapolis is helping her realize that dream. She started as a secretary and sales representative for the company that does a range of commercial and residential contracting and construction work. A month-and-a-half later, she got promoted to full-time sales representative and project manager, going out to jobsites and working directly with customers, which was her goal when she took the BY course.
The 25-year-old had had some exposure to the construction industry through a family business, but she knew she needed more knowledge and skills to be useful to a firm. Shortly after graduating from BY, she learned just how much of a difference the training made:
She had applied to Trim and Carpentry before, but didn’t get hired. Once she completed the three-week BY bootcamp, the company was eager to have her onboard.
But it wasn’t just carpentry skills and certifications Yuliana picked up from BY. A naturally shy person, she said the course taught her how to present herself, talk to customers and work with teammates. “They got me out of my comfort zone,” she said. “The class was an eye-opener.”
She especially praised her teacher, Kent Gilchrist, and BY leaders for meeting people where they are and helping them grow. “They help you,” she said. “They’re not judgy. They don’t make you feel less.” She was impressed that the program followed through on everything it promised, and especially liked that it let students apply their skills while still in the program by working on the homes of people who need the help through the nonprofit Home Repairs for Good.
Since she finished the BY course, Yuliana has been encouraging others to sign up, telling them to take advantage of a free educational opportunity and a chance to connect with something that could shape their future.
“I’m happy with the outcome I got,” she said. “It gave me an opportunity to grow my career. I’m grateful I took the class.”
Stories like Yuliana’s would not be possible without support from Lily Endowment — Thank you!