When San Francisco resident Phu Luc first came to MEDA’s Mission Techies IT Pre- Apprenticeship program he had a strong goal in mind: find himself in the best position to land a full-time job in the tech industry. Even with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering, breaking into the field wasn’t easy. He turned to Mission Techies for guidance—hoping to find an entry-level IT position—and ended up getting so much more.
From day one, Phu made the most of every opportunity. He started by earning his Google IT Support Certificate, then had the chance to join MEDA’s Google Grow Program, completing certifications in Google AI Essentials, Cybersecurity, Project Management, Data Analysis, and UX Design.
But it didn’t take long for him to realize that certificates alone weren’t enough to succeed. As Phu put it, “Mission Techies gave me more than certifications—it gave me confidence, real-world experience, and connections that opened doors.”
Through the program, he strengthened his job search skills such as elevator pitches, résumé writing, and interview techniques, all while also gaining hands-on IT experience. Phu learned to assemble and disassemble computers, work with operating systems, install hardware, and run cabling, skills he hadn’t picked up in school or past jobs.
That combination of training and support paid off. Phu landed two roles, Processing Specialist I at Verra Mobility Consolidated Inc. and Product Pre-Apprentice at Beem. Phu was also connected with MEDA’s financial capability team to save for a big goal: buying his first home.
But Phu’s growth did not stop there. “One of Phu’s most impactful achievements was embracing the importance of professional networking. He actively helped his peers, referring four classmates to Processing Specialist I positions, which led to three additional students being hired,” says Marcela Trujano, Senior Workforce Coach/Technology Training Coordinator at MEDA.
Phu’s story is proof that with the right training, mentorship, and community, you can turn big goals into real opportunities.
Your story could be next. Join Mission Techies IT Pre-Apprenticeship and take the first step toward your career in tech. Visit this link to learn more and sign up.
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