John, a 49-year-old from Ocean Beach who is reentering society after incarceration, is determined to build a sustainable life for himself. Through the Apprenticeship Readiness Program (ARP) training, he was able to start his journey toward his goal. John’s path was different than most in the program; halfway through, he received an offer to join the Glazers Union. Despite getting a job, he stayed involved with the program, completing the MC3, earning his certificate and giving a speech at the graduation ceremony. His path to stability and meaningful work has been a complicated journey. We spoke with John about his story, and this is what he shared with us.
When I was released from prison in January 2025, I didn’t know what direction my life was going to take. I had just spent two years at Wasco State Prison in Central California, and before that, I had been in and out of prison since 2004. My twenties and thirties were marked by drug use, overdoses, and unstable living—most of the time, I was either incarcerated or living in hotels near the beaches.
I had worked before—as a tow truck driver and later as a truck driver—but I couldn’t hold onto stability. Even when I managed to stay clean for five years, I eventually relapsed. My last conviction. When the police finally caught me, I actually felt relief—like, “Thank God, this is finally over.” I knew I needed a different path.
While in prison, they put me on Suboxone, a medication used to help prevent drug use. The medication’s side effects were severe and took a heavy toll on my body. After I was released, I worked with my doctors, who prescribed me a variety of other medications that we experimented with.
While living in sober housing and I was trying to find my way. That’s when another resident shared the ARP program with me. Initially, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it ended up being so much more than I anticipated.
ARP gave me structure. They paid for my union dues, helped me with food and clothing, and even brought me my workbooks. At San Diego City College, my instructor Tony taught me the importance of accountability—“on time is late, early is on time.” I took that to heart. I was never late once.
When different unions came to talk to us, I was drawn to glazing. Not many others in my class wanted to pursue it, but when I heard about the pay, benefits and opportunity to build a real career, I felt a drive inside me that I hadn’t felt before. For so long, I had lived a “free” lifestyle, but now I wanted to work and prove to myself that I could do it.
It wasn’t easy at first. I remember one day cracking myself in the face with a drill. It hurt, but I wasn’t going to quit. Each day, I improved.
With ARP, I was already ahead of the game because I knew someone in the union who offered me a job before I even finished the program. My instructor, Tony, advised me to take it and said I was already ahead of the class. All I had to do was pass my online exams. My first job was at the airport in March. At first, it was tough; I was the only worker from San Diego, and most of the crew was from Los Angeles. But I pushed through, built camaraderie with them, and gained confidence.
ARP doesn’t just prepare you for the apprenticeship; it prepares you for life. They taught me about mental health, how to deal with people, and how to build resilience. Right now, I’m waiting on my next journeyman placement, and while work isn’t always consistent in the union, I know I’m on the right path.
Today, I stay busy taking my dogs to the ocean, riding my BMX bike, and helping my girlfriend around the apartment complex where she works. Every day is a choice not to go back to drugs or prison, but ARP gave me the tools to make the right choices. For the first time in decades, I feel like I’m building a future.