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The Apprenticeship that Saved My Life: Guidebook to Navigating the Earn-While-You-Learn Opportunity of a Lifetime
“I realized that learning a trade was more than just mastering a skill—it was about gaining control over my future.”
How an Apprenticeship Saved My Life tells the inspiring story of one man’s journey from Baltimore’s tough streets to a life of purpose, stability, and impact.
Cory McCray was on a path many young men know all too well—one shaped by struggle and limited opportunity. But when a single decision led him into an apprenticeship program, everything changed. Through hands-on training, grit, and an unshakable commitment to growth, he found a way to rewrite his future.
In this candid memoir, McCray shares the highs and lows of his journey, illustrating the transformative power of skilled labor and mentorship. Individuals will discover how his experiences as an apprentice shaped not just his career but his life, providing him with the foundation to become a Maryland State Senator dedicated to empowering his community. Alongside these personal stories, How an Apprenticeship Saved My Life delves into the lasting impact apprenticeships can have, particularly for those who might be overlooked by traditional educational paths.
For anyone who believes in the power of second chances and the untapped potential within every community, How an Apprenticeship Saved My Life is a powerful reminder that sometimes the right opportunity can change everything. Dive into this transformative story and explore how one apprenticeship not only saved a life but sparked a movement.
How an Apprenticeship Saved My Life tells the inspiring story of one man’s journey from Baltimore’s tough streets to a life of purpose, stability, and impact.
Cory McCray was on a path many young men know all too well—one shaped by struggle and limited opportunity. But when a single decision led him into an apprenticeship program, everything changed. Through hands-on training, grit, and an unshakable commitment to growth, he found a way to rewrite his future.
In this candid memoir, McCray shares the highs and lows of his journey, illustrating the transformative power of skilled labor and mentorship. Individuals will discover how his experiences as an apprentice shaped not just his career but his life, providing him with the foundation to become a Maryland State Senator dedicated to empowering his community. Alongside these personal stories, How an Apprenticeship Saved My Life delves into the lasting impact apprenticeships can have, particularly for those who might be overlooked by traditional educational paths.
For anyone who believes in the power of second chances and the untapped potential within every community, How an Apprenticeship Saved My Life is a powerful reminder that sometimes the right opportunity can change everything. Dive into this transformative story and explore how one apprenticeship not only saved a life but sparked a movement.
- GenresNonfiction
180 pages, Paperback
Published September 30, 2025
6 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 16, 2025
McCray’s The Apprenticeship that Saved My Life is as inspiring as it is eye opening. Having known Senator McCray personally for years, I have always admired his generosity of spirit and his instinct to not just listen, but to offer a next step, a pathway forward. This book only deepened that respect.
This read authentically captures the transformative power of apprenticeships. Through his personal journey, McCray demonstrates how opportunity, structure, and mentorship can alter the trajectory of a life. For someone like me, who works closely with education and workforce development, the book offered a firsthand account that reinforced just how vital these pathways are not only for individuals, but for entire communities.
Beyond policy or statistics, McCray shares lived experience in a way that is accessible and motivating. He makes a compelling case for why apprenticeships should be a central part of our education system, and why students everywhere should understand the possibilities they unlock. It is not just a story of personal success, it is a roadmap for building futures.
This is a book I believe everyone should read, especially students who are searching for direction and policymakers who shape education and workforce systems. It is a testament to resilience, vision, and the kind of leadership that changes lives.
5/5 stars. Thank you to Morgan James Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy!
This read authentically captures the transformative power of apprenticeships. Through his personal journey, McCray demonstrates how opportunity, structure, and mentorship can alter the trajectory of a life. For someone like me, who works closely with education and workforce development, the book offered a firsthand account that reinforced just how vital these pathways are not only for individuals, but for entire communities.
Beyond policy or statistics, McCray shares lived experience in a way that is accessible and motivating. He makes a compelling case for why apprenticeships should be a central part of our education system, and why students everywhere should understand the possibilities they unlock. It is not just a story of personal success, it is a roadmap for building futures.
This is a book I believe everyone should read, especially students who are searching for direction and policymakers who shape education and workforce systems. It is a testament to resilience, vision, and the kind of leadership that changes lives.
5/5 stars. Thank you to Morgan James Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy!
November 3, 2025
The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life: Guidebook to Navigating the Earn-While-You-Learn Opportunity of a Lifetime by Cory McCray
This is a book that should be handed out to every high school student—boys and girls alike. I initially picked it up because, although I’m not originally from Maryland, I’ve lived here for the past 30 years. I lived just five miles from Boys Village and have long been aware of the struggles faced by youth in D.C. and Baltimore. But as Mr. McCray’s story shows, these challenges aren’t unique to one city—they’re part of a larger cycle of limited opportunity and lack of guidance that affects teens everywhere.
Fortunately, Cory McCray had a mother who refused to give up on him. Unfortunately, not every young person has a Nae-Nae in their life. He takes readers through the journey that shaped him into the man he is today—one who now gives back by mentoring youth and promoting the trades as a path to success.
And I want to emphasize: this book isn’t just for young men. As a female in a STEM role and a union position protected by the CWA, I know firsthand how valuable the trades can be. For teens uncertain about their next steps—whether college, the military, or another path—apprenticeships offer real opportunity. If you can show up on time and work hard, you can build a future of stability and financial freedom.
I truly enjoyed this book and deeply admire Mr. McCray for sharing his story and for his ongoing dedication to showing young people that there is another way—and that it can be both meaningful and rewarding.
Thank you to Cory McCray, Morgan James Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.
This is a book that should be handed out to every high school student—boys and girls alike. I initially picked it up because, although I’m not originally from Maryland, I’ve lived here for the past 30 years. I lived just five miles from Boys Village and have long been aware of the struggles faced by youth in D.C. and Baltimore. But as Mr. McCray’s story shows, these challenges aren’t unique to one city—they’re part of a larger cycle of limited opportunity and lack of guidance that affects teens everywhere.
Fortunately, Cory McCray had a mother who refused to give up on him. Unfortunately, not every young person has a Nae-Nae in their life. He takes readers through the journey that shaped him into the man he is today—one who now gives back by mentoring youth and promoting the trades as a path to success.
And I want to emphasize: this book isn’t just for young men. As a female in a STEM role and a union position protected by the CWA, I know firsthand how valuable the trades can be. For teens uncertain about their next steps—whether college, the military, or another path—apprenticeships offer real opportunity. If you can show up on time and work hard, you can build a future of stability and financial freedom.
I truly enjoyed this book and deeply admire Mr. McCray for sharing his story and for his ongoing dedication to showing young people that there is another way—and that it can be both meaningful and rewarding.
Thank you to Cory McCray, Morgan James Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC.
September 15, 2025
The Review
The first thing that stood out to me was how genuine and honest the author was in expressing the events of his life that led him to the path he found himself on. The way the author delved into the hardships and struggles of his youth, and both the impact on his community and the lack of available resources, and the social pressures many young men in his community were presented with, could be felt in the author’s writing with an emotional depth that readers could feel.
The balance of nonfiction narrative as the author expands on his life and journey, with the lessons and education he imparts to young readers, is astounding. The straightforward candor of the author’s voice in the writing style was superb and drove the lessons forward with ease. The idea and inspiration this book inspires in young people to embrace change and the unknown and to see for themselves the future they deserve will keep readers inspired and invested as the book progresses.
The Verdict
Insightful, compelling, and engaging, author Cory McCray’s “The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life” is a must-read nonfiction book. The author did a great job of helping young people through the process of mentorship and becoming apprentices in trades, from working with difficult people to the interview process and so much more, and this is one of those books readers can return to time and time again for guidance and inspiration.
The first thing that stood out to me was how genuine and honest the author was in expressing the events of his life that led him to the path he found himself on. The way the author delved into the hardships and struggles of his youth, and both the impact on his community and the lack of available resources, and the social pressures many young men in his community were presented with, could be felt in the author’s writing with an emotional depth that readers could feel.
The balance of nonfiction narrative as the author expands on his life and journey, with the lessons and education he imparts to young readers, is astounding. The straightforward candor of the author’s voice in the writing style was superb and drove the lessons forward with ease. The idea and inspiration this book inspires in young people to embrace change and the unknown and to see for themselves the future they deserve will keep readers inspired and invested as the book progresses.
The Verdict
Insightful, compelling, and engaging, author Cory McCray’s “The Apprenticeship That Saved My Life” is a must-read nonfiction book. The author did a great job of helping young people through the process of mentorship and becoming apprentices in trades, from working with difficult people to the interview process and so much more, and this is one of those books readers can return to time and time again for guidance and inspiration.
December 12, 2025
The Apprenticeship that Saved My Life is an inspiring and deeply human memoir that illuminates the transformative power of opportunity, grit, and mentorship. Cory McCray’s journey, from the harsh realities of Baltimore’s streets to personal stability, professional purpose, and political leadership, is told with honesty, humility, and a genuine desire to uplift others. His story is both a powerful testament to the value of skilled trades and a reminder that one right decision can become the catalyst for an entirely new life.
McCray’s reflections are rich with insight, and his message resonates far beyond the trades. He reveals how hands-on learning, structure, and guided growth can reshape a young person’s identity, confidence, and long-term trajectory. This book is not only a compelling memoir but also a guidebook filled with hope and direction for individuals seeking a second chance, a fresh start, or a path they never knew existed. It is motivational, empowering, and profoundly impactful.
McCray’s reflections are rich with insight, and his message resonates far beyond the trades. He reveals how hands-on learning, structure, and guided growth can reshape a young person’s identity, confidence, and long-term trajectory. This book is not only a compelling memoir but also a guidebook filled with hope and direction for individuals seeking a second chance, a fresh start, or a path they never knew existed. It is motivational, empowering, and profoundly impactful.
December 10, 2025
This book is an inspiring and candid story of resilience, opportunity, and personal growth. Cory McCray demonstrates how one apprenticeship can completely transform a life, offering practical insight and hope for anyone seeking direction or second chances. Readers will be moved by his journey from struggle to purpose and will come away empowered to take action in their own lives. A must-read for advocates of mentorship, vocational education, and community empowerment.
November 20, 2025
This was a great read about the journey of a great leader. The book offers incredible tips for those interested in the trades and shares life principles applicable for any other career path. Author Cory McCray is as real as they come, and it shows in his writing.
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November 15, 2025Not going to give this a Star rating since I mostly read it to learn about apprenticeship programs in trades unions.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews