At just 19 years old, Sam True is laying the foundation for a promising career in carpentry. Currently an apprentice, Sam describes himself as “more of a helping hand than anything else,” eagerly learning the ropes of trim work, demo, and framing. After graduating high school, he completed a 3.5-month adult education program at Tri-County Vocational Technical High School and landed his role through a career fair where he connected with WBA leadership.

Sam thrives on the variety of his new trade and the chance to learn from multiple mentors at WBA. At each new project, he pays attention to the different ways his colleagues approach tasks. “It’s good to get all the different perspectives on how to do something and figure out which way works best for me.”

Outside of work, Sam spends free time hanging out with friends, adventures like exploring local ravines and caves, or—as a big fan of summer—just relaxing at the lake. As a member of his town’s Fish & Game Club, he indulges in fishing and fondly recalls a family trip to Bermuda, where he kayaked and fished right off the beach with his brother.

Fun Fact: Before carpentry, Sam dreamed of becoming a sponsored skateboarder but “broke several toes… got a couple concussions, broke my collarbone,” he laughs. “That kind of stopped me.”