June 10, 2025
Juané Lancaster, a Chicago native, moved to Grand Rapids to help raise her younger sister — a choice driven by love and commitment. While Chicago offered plenty of opportunities, Lancaster’s heart was with her family.
“I wanted to be closer to my sister,” she said. “I wanted to be present in her life in a personal way.”
Once she moved to Grand Rapids, Lancaster worked a series of temporary jobs through a staffing agency. But once those assignments ended, Lancaster found herself searching for a new direction.
“I went to Urban League and they asked me if I was interested in furthering my education,” said Lancaster. “I said, ‘If the opportunity is available, then yes!’”
Her time at the temp agency gave her a front row seat into a variety of industries. It sparked a desire to build a career with lasting value.
“When the pandemic hit, it made me refocus and make some changes,” said Lancaster. “I also knew I needed to find a job that was essential. Everything needs welding. I didn’t have the knowledge or skills to enter into the welding industry, but I do now after taking the bootcamp. With these new skills, I know I can find a stable and essential job.”
Lancaster had been exposed to welding through one of the companies she previously worked with. That exposure stayed with her, and eventually led Lancaster to Grand Rapids Community College’s Metallica Scholars Welding Bootcamp — a workforce training program funded by the legendary rock band Metallica through their nonprofit foundation, All Within My Hands.
The three-month program offers focused, hands-on training in all aspects of welding. Upon completion of the program, students earn a welding certificate that opens doors to careers in the skilled trades.
“I had a slight interest in welding from the temp agency I worked with prior to coming to Urban League,” said Lancaster. “The class was amazing in how quickly you felt proficient. It was very hands-on. From day one, you can ask questions about anything and you immediately start learning how to weld, even if you’ve never held a welding gun before.”
Founded in 2017, the All Within My Hands Foundation supports career and technical education programs like the one Lancaster completed. For her, the opportunity was life-changing.
“This is a blessing from God,” she said. “Life can be hard and stressful. I want to thank Metallica. They are so amazing for giving us this opportunity to succeed and try something new at the same time. I changed a lot through this program. I started knowing very little about welding and finished with my certificate. This is how you know Metallica has a good heart. They are choosing to help and give us all an opportunity. It’s a huge blessing.”
No prior experience is required to enroll in the welding bootcamp. Students gain both the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in the industry.
“The program set me up to be competitive in the industry,” said Lancaster. “I had someone tell me they don’t usually see women as welders. That lit a spark in my head because we need more women in an industry that is seen as male-dominated. I want to show my sister that hard work and dedication pays off no matter what gender you are.”
Lancaster graduated from the boot camp in April 2025 and is now focused on finding a stable position where she can become a part of the team and grow with the company. This opportunity gave her the confidence and skillset to build a future for herself and her sister.
Learn more about the Metallica Scholars Bootcamp.
This story was reported by Anjula Caldwell