Juan came to CareerForce in September of 2019 after hearing that there could be help with paying for a commercial driver’s license.
Juan met with Career Specialist Julie Beckmann and it was determined he was eligible for the WIOA Adult program. Juan and Julie met to discuss Juan’s interest in the CDL program. Juan had been working multiple jobs to make ends meet and take care of his family. He knew there was a need for CDL drivers and thought this would be something he could do and do well.
Juan took the permit class and passed the test with no problems. He completed his DOT physical and had started his behind the wheel training. And then COVID-19 hit and the CDL program and training was shut down. Juan talked with Julie each month and continued to express his interest in getting a CDL. When Minnesota West Community and Technical College opened up the behind the wheel training, Juan jumped at the opportunity to start again. Unfortunately, because so much time had lapsed due to COVID-19, Juan’s permit was about to expire. Juan went to the DMV and was able to extend his permit so he could finish his training without having to take the permit test again. In November, Juan came to Julie to talk with her about his interest in a sanitation company in Dawson. He had been talking with the managers there and was interested in applying for a job there. Juan and Julie talked about applying and completing his training. In December, Juan completed his behind the wheel training and took the CDL test, passing with flying colors! Juan was offered a job at Olson Sanitation, Inc. as a truck driver. Juan was always very appreciative to the PIC for the help they were able to provide to him. Without it, he would not have pursued his desire to obtain his CDL.
Dominique was laid-off from a position of an administrative assistant at a local non-profit.
With her counselor’s help and support, Dominique registered for classes at the Metro State University to complete her bachelor’s degree and secured a part-time job to help her pay her bills. Dominique was very successful in her studies and achieved an A- grade average. She graduated in May of 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Services.
Unfortunately, the building where she lived was damaged and her car was destroyed during the civil unrest in the summer of 2020. Dominique, who was already struggling with isolation because of the COVID pandemic, was severely affected by this. She shared her difficulties with her counselor, who referred her to a mental health provider and helped her establish a self-care protocol.
Dominique continued to job search and interview for positions, but, because of her health, she wanted to secure a remote work position which would allow her to limit exposure to COVID, which limited her options. She shared with her counselor that she was becoming discouraged and feeling hopeless. Her counselor provided support and encouragement that helped Dominique stay focused on her goals, and at last Dominique was offered a position with Medica as a “new member services representative,” working from home, at $19.00 and full benefits.
Kelly started at the PPL Career Center by attending job readiness and digital literacy workshops.
Her goal was to acquire business computer skills so she could transition out of the food service industry into a professional clerical role. She had just moved back to MN after a decade of working as a waitress/hostess in New Orleans. After some discussion and industry research, Kelly decided the healthcare field was where she wanted to be. She enrolled into Career Works in December 2019 to seek healthcare job training. Throughout the pandemic Kelly remained committed to her goal and she decided to pursue MCTC's Medical Receptionist Diploma. The training program started August 2020 and Kelly proved to be a stellar student and program participant earning all A's! After graduating from her training program in May 2021 Kelly secured a job in October 2021 working at Park Nicollet Urgent Care as a Medical Receptionist II, earning $19.25 per hour and working full time with benefits. Kelly was nominated for PPL's Annual Achievement Award for her resiliency, commitment to personal growth, and success navigating through the last two years of the pandemic to achieve her career goal.