We all have barriers to finding work. Whether it’s lack of experience or formal training, there are many hurdles in the search for employment. Every customer’s story is different, but they all start the same way: taking the first step by visiting their local WorkSource center.
Today, we’re proud to present a success story that is a true collaboration between staff and a tenacious job seeker who was able to thrive in the WorkSource system.
Joan was a seventy-two-year-old displaced homemaker who had been out of the workforce for over four years. Recently, her spouse passed away, leaving her without an income to survive. She came to WorkSource to find a path back into employment, but while she had a background in technology, her skills were outdated. She attended our Employment and Training Orientation to become eligible for training scholarships, went to workshops, and applied for positions on WorkSourceWA.com.
But unfortunately, she couldn’t get hired.
After thinking more about what she wanted to do, she decided a change in career was necessary. She spoke to her Employment Specialist about becoming a Nursing Assistant. After taking an assessment, they found out she had an 84% match to the role. Having had prior experience in home hospice, Joan was enthusiastic about pursuing this new career. Her Employment Specialist let her know about a Certified Nursing Assistant cohort where she could earn her CNA but would need to complete some pre-requisites first.
Joan and her Employment Specialist worked hard together on the scholarship process. And in the end, she was awarded full tuition assistance from WorkSource.
By all accounts, Joan was very motivated. At the end of the cohort, she had finished at the top of her class. But there were still barriers to employment to address.
A training scholarship is just the first step. But what about transportation? Clothes for the job? There’s so many aspects of the job search that cost money, which can represent barriers if you’re struggling for income in the first place.
Luckily, WorkSource was able to pay for Joan’s gas, state license, scrubs, and shoes to help her become job ready.
Joan’s dedication to her training and engagement with the WorkSource system led to her earning her Certified Nursing Assistant license, and getting hired at an assisted living facility, with a starting wage of $22/hour!
If you’re in a tough situation or need to change careers, WorkSource may be able to help you like we helped Joan. Attend our Employment and Training Orientation to learn more about training scholarships and eligibility. Looking for work is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone!
WorkSource is an equal opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Washington Relay Service 711.
This program receives support and funding from a U.S. Department of Labor grant(s) provided through Workforce Southwest Washington. Read more about WSW federal funding at WSW Funding Disclosures: https://workforcesw.org/federal-funding-disclosure
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