Unlikely circumstances led Teri Johnson to a career in the trades. She was introduced to construction through a pre-apprenticeship program while serving a prison sentence, but at the time, wasn’t convinced that the trade held a future for her. Prior to incarceration she worked in culinary arts but lost her passion for cooking and was looking for a path forward after prison. She joined the ironworkers, but it wasn’t the right fit.
She eventually joined the Carpenters Union, and her first job was a pile driving project. It was there that she discovered her niche. Her crew was supportive, and she was excited to learn new things. Six months later she transferred her books from general carpentry to pile driving. In addition to finding a clear career path, she also found a small community in the craft. While the days are long and arduous, she still finds time to stay an active union member, serving as Vice President for Local 196, and Co-Chair of the Sisters and Siblings of Local 206.