Help Kathryn finish her 5 year apprenticeship

One Year Away From My Dream — Help Me Become a Certified Electrician

Hi, my name is Kathryn and I’m 33 years old. I’ve spent the last few years chasing a dream that once felt completely out of reach: becoming a licensed electrician.

Growing up, I never thought the trades were for someone like me. But I’ve always loved working with my hands, solving problems, and building things that matter. A few years ago, I made the difficult decision to start over, move 2000 miles away from where I grew up, where I enrolled in the electrician training apprenticeship in Reno and never looked back. It’s been one of the hardest and most rewarding things I’ve ever done.

Now I’m almost there. Just one more year. But I’ve hit a wall financially.

Between classes, exams, apprenticeship hours, and the cost of tools, licensing, and tuition, I’m stretched beyond my limits. I’ve been working every hour I can, pinching every penny, but it’s not quite enough. That’s why I’m asking for help — something that’s never been easy for me.

I’m trying to raise $3000 to cover the costs of finishing my last year of training. It’s not just about getting certified — it’s about building a life I’ve worked so hard for. It’s about proving to myself — and maybe to other women out there — that it’s never too late to start again, and that you can find strength in the struggle.

If you can give anything, even just a few dollars, you’re helping me hold on to this dream. And if you can’t give, just sharing this means more than I can say.

Thank you for reading. Thank you for believing in me.

With all my heart,

Kathryn Shields