Marycarmen Diaz Rueda, a proud 2025 graduate of Joliet West High School, is building a promising career in the skilled trades as a first-year Union Carpenter Apprentice with Carpenters Local #174.

Marycarmen’s passion for working with her hands began during her time at Joliet West. Her experience in the school’s welding classes played an important role in helping her discover her love for hands-on work and skilled trades. She especially credits her welding instructor, Mr. Cruz, for making an impact on her journey. That experience helped shape her decision to pursue a career in the trades after graduation.

After graduating from Joliet West, Marycarmen knew she wanted to pursue a career in the trades and become part of a union. While exploring opportunities through SchooLinks, she discovered the Hire360 Pre-Apprenticeship Program and quickly applied. After successfully completing the nine-week program, she earned sponsorship into Carpenters Local #174 and began turning her career goals into reality.

Today, Marycarmen continues to grow her skills and experience as an apprentice while also working toward her welding certification. Her journey has already opened exciting doors, including the opportunity to speak about her pathway into the trades during Governor JB Pritzker’s bus tour kickoff, where she also had the opportunity to meet the Governor.

Marycarmen’s story is a powerful example of what can happen when determination meets opportunity. By knowing what she wanted, seeking out resources, and taking action, she created a pathway directly from high school into a career she is passionate about.

She encourages current Joliet West students to stay motivated, remain resilient, and believe in their ability to create the future they want. She shares this inspiring message:

“Stay motivated and remain resilient! I knew I wanted to be in a union and work in the trades right after high school, and that’s exactly what happened. If we all believe in ourselves and look for opportunities, we might just open the right door into what it is that we want! We are all capable of creating and living the life we want; it’s up to us to want it enough to make it happen!”

We are proud to celebrate Marycarmen and the path she is creating in the skilled trades. Her journey is a great reminder that the experiences and opportunities students have while at Joliet West can help them discover their passions and build a successful future.

Keep building, Marycarmen! We look forward to seeing all you will accomplish next!

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