WIOA Helped Montreai Attain a CDL and a Job

Jan, 24th, 2023

When 21-year-old Montreai Woodard of Walstonburg came to Lenoir Community College (LCC), he knew exactly what he wanted to do, he just needed financial help to do it. He was working at a local car dealership at the time. His goal was to enroll in Truck Driver Training and obtain his CDL. After talking with him and asking a few questions, I was able to determine that Montreai was eligible for assistance through LCC’s Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program. This program assists out of school youth ages 16-24 that qualify for assistance with schooling, training, and finding employment.

Montreai was highly motivated and eager to complete the necessary steps for enrollment into WIOA Youth Program. Being a parenting youth, he said his goal was to provide for his family and give his son the best life he possible can. He enrolled in WIOA October 5, 2022. During enrollment we set two goals for him, to attain his CDL, and a Career Readiness Certification (CRC).

Montreai enrolled in a five-week CDL Training Class and while studying and attending that class, he also practiced at home on attaining his CRC. He completed CDL training and got his License on December 9, 2022. He took the CRC exam three days later and scored a Gold Certificate. In accordance with WIOA’s policy on Incentives he earned a $250 gift card from Wal-Mart for achieving these two goals.

Although the WIOA Youth program also aids in job search, paid work experiences, creating resumes and interviewing skills, Montreai did not need assistance with those program elements. On December 15, 2022, Montreai received his Wal-Mart gift card and reported to me that he had been hired at SouthCo Distributing Company in Goldsboro, NC as a driver.

I have worked with a lot of young people over the years helping them to reach their goals, but this young man reached his goals the fastest of anyone I have ever worked with. His determination coupled with his enthusiasm was refreshing. Montreai said “I am so grateful for the help I received through WIOA! I had no idea programs like this existed. I will definitely spread the word to family and friends about this awesome program.”

 

Submitted by: Tracey Price-LCC Youth Career Advisor