On June 23, Ozell Wilkins stood alongside labor leaders, clergy and community advocates at the Tribal Gathering Place in downtown Spokane to speak in support of the Public Dollars for Public Benefit Ordinance. Introduced by Councilmember Paul Dillon and backed by the Spokane Alliance, the ordinance aims to ensure that public infrastructure spending creates high-quality local jobs, expands apprenticeship opportunities, and prioritizes hiring from underrepresented communities.
As an ironworker and union member, Wilkins shared his personal journey – from uncertainty to economic stability – highlighting how access to the trades transformed his life. His story underscored the ordinance’s potential to create equitable career pathways and lasting community impact.
Originally from Bloomington, Illinois, Wilkins moved to Spokane in 2013 and graduated from North Central High School. Like many students, he didn’t hear much about trade options in school.
“I wasn’t actually (interested in trades) – it sucks. The knowledge and the information wasn’t really offered, so I was really unaware until I came to Spokane,” he said.
That changed when Wilkins pursued a welding certificate at Spokane Community College. He gave over four years to the craft, and his passion quickly turned into a vision for independence.
“I wanted to become a mobile welder. I wanted to take welding and just turn it into my own profession – a side gig. I was looking for cash flow and just expressing the skill. I fell in love with it,” he explained. “Welding is a form of connection – if it’s done right, it lasts forever. You can see it in every house, every establishment. Your handrails – everything has something welded to it. It’s an amazing process.”
Eventually, Wilkins transitioned to the Ironworkers Union, Local 14, where he now earns $28 an hour, with higher wages on the horizon. Journeymen, he noted, can make up to $63 an hour – a solid and sustainable income. But for Wilkins, it’s about more than a paycheck. With six children, he’s motivated by the ability to provide for his family without working multiple jobs. The union not only offered him financial stability but restored his sense of purpose.
“My life changed. The weekly wages inspired my mental. I thought I was out of a lot, but I feel safe with just this one job.”
For students unsure about college, Wilkins recommends starting with a non-credit exploratory course like SCC’s Skilled Trades Prep (STP).
“I was all over the place – firefighter, pilot, business. Someone told me to slow down and take the course, and it was not a waste of time. It introduced me to a plan.”
“Education isn’t for everybody, but a skill is. Sometimes the information goes over our heads – we gotta stay aware of our opportunities. It’s a beautiful world.”
One resounding message Wilkins makes clear: Skills are just as valuable as degrees in today’s labor force – and exploring options and seizing opportunities is essential to the journey toward success.