Training Services
Veteran Becomes a Truck Driver
James is a military veteran who went through a long time of
unemployment that led to homelessness and health struggles. He
faced job rejections, partially due to a criminal conviction from 28
years ago. Lake County Workforce Development was part of the
team that helped him to rebuild his life. He also worked closely with
the counseling programs of the Veteran’s Administration.
James needed new skills to compete in today’s job market.
Workforce Development funded him for training as a professional
commercial truck driver at Kotra Driving School; he received his CDL license in May 2014 and
accepted a driving position in July 2014 that almost doubled his past annual income.
“Although times were rough, the WIA program provided hope during a very bleak time in my
life and helped me to defeat those challenges, and I am very optimistic going into the future.”
Medical Training Provides New Opportunities
Beatriz landed a job as an LPN (licensed practical nurse) in
August 2014. She already had over 10 years experience in the
medical field but requested help from Workforce Development
because she had trouble in finding the ‘right’ kind of work.
She was certified as a nurse’s aide in 2009 but knew she
needed to set higher goals for herself. Workforce funded her
for LPN training at J’Renee Career Facilitation, Inc. in 2013.
She graduated in January 2014. She describes the Job Center
as her ‘oasis’ and says that Workforce staff helped her
understand the importance of setting goals. “The Job Center
took care of everything that I couldn’t have imagined, in order
to make it through one of the toughest periods in my life.”
IT Certification Validates Skills
Fabio requested training because his education had not kept up with his
experience. He had worked as a Network Technician but his computer
skills were all self-taught. Most recently, he provided computer support for
a family-owned business, but he needed full time employment.
Workforce Development funded him to complete a 9-month, IT
(information technology) certification at New Horizon’s Computer Learning
Center. He was hired on a contractual basis as a Computer Support
Specialist working for an employment agency in November 2013. He was
hired as a Field Network Technician by one of the agency’s business
accounts in June 2014. He currently mentors other jobseekers who are
transitioning into the IT field.
Page 2