Breaking Barriers: How Jesus And Jaron Beat The Odds And Built Better Lives With Support From A Career Coach

“I really faced it all – living in a high-crime, high-poverty area I really had to keep myself safe, and I held down a steady minimum wage job, but I wanted more,” Jesus says. Yes, he was young, but he was determined, and he knew training was the key, but where start?

He sought out the help of an E&ES Youth Career Coach at one of our American Job Centers and was soon enrolled in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program where he could explore new career opportunities.

Ready to begin his funded training program, Jesus hit an obstacle – “I broke my leg in an accident, but I wasn’t going to give up!”

Jesus pressed on and used his recovery time to work with his Career Coach. And as soon as he was healed, Jesus began a Manufacturing Careers Internship Program. This opportunity provided paid job readiness, an electrician internship, and on-the-job training that soon led Jesus to a full-time position with a local electrical company.

“I love my new career!” Jesus shares with a big smile – “I’m doing good work with a great company and it’s all possible because of the support I received working with my Career Coach and the WIOA program.”

Work with a Career Coach to get career guidance and support to build your new life.

For Jaron, it all started with a flyer. He was working as a retail merchandiser, but after COVID and the many changes in the economy, Jaron was ready to try a new career.

“I was so tired of feeling underemployed. I was working all the time but barely making enough to get by. I was worried about being laid off or let go all the time. I just wanted a stable job and flexibility”.

With the right skills and training, Jaron would have the keys to his future, so he enrolled at the American Job Center at the King Center. His Career Coach helped him access CDL

training. His Career Coach also encouraged him to apply for unemployment assistance while he attended training full-time.

After his training, he turned to his AJC and worked with a Business Account Executive to find a paid training job.

“I came back so pumped and ready to put my new certification to work. Joy connected me with an open CDL position at Best Solutions Express and I was hired on the spot”.

Today Jaron has a full-time, permanent position at Best Solutions Express.

Jaron walked into the American Job Center at the King Center looking for a chance. What he found was the opportunity to gain a new career and the skills that would help him succeed. He took steps to complete the program while staying committed to a brighter future and you can too.

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