My name is Sabrina Duncan. I was born and raised in California. I have always wanted to get into the trades but never seemed like I would ever be able to. In California, I struggled with homelessness as well as being in the wrong kind of relationship which held me back. I broke away from it when my grandfather’s Alzheimers was progressing rapidly and I moved to Illinois with nothing but a backpack.
Once I was in Illinois I heard about a program called the HCCTP (Highway Career Construction Training Program) at Black Hawk College in Moline, Illinois which is designed to give minorities and disadvantaged people a chance to get into the trades (amazing and best program!!!), I attended the class and was part of the 13th graduation of the college, with a total of 12 graduates in my class.
It was about a year after my graduation that I got into the Local 18 Cement Masons (Area 544 – Rock Island), and have had the opportunity to work for some great companies (Civil/Helm-whom I’m currently working for), Lunda, and several others. I’m a 3rd year apprentice and cannot wait to become a journeyman! My two daughters and 3 grandchildren have since moved out here and I am still trying to convince my son (who stayed in California) to come out here.
My trade has been a blessing to my life, my future, and I’ll never give it up! I have bought a house out here and am turning things around one day at a time, Thank you.
