Off and Rolling In a New Direction
David contacted the Grayling Michigan Works! office seeking assistance to attend CDL training to offer him a better career future. Marie, a Career Navigator, walked him through the program and was able to provide Adult WIOA funding to help pay for his training.
David really put forth the effort and excelled in his training at Kirtland Community College’s CDL program and quickly found employment after obtaining his CDL.
David writes, “After being incarcerated for 15 years and not knowing what to do or where my life was going upon release, I decided to look into obtaining my CDL-A license and drive trucks.”
“As I looked at different training schools, I was informed by Marie at Michigan Works! about the Tri-Area Trucking program offered through Kirtland College. I immediately began getting everything ready to get in the upcoming class.”
“That's where a lot of difficulty came in. So much had to be done in order to make it happen. Literally paperwork had to be done, and redone, and resubmitted. Marie and Jackie at Michigan Works! worked so hard and went above and beyond during the COVID shutdown to help me get all of my paperwork in order for submission. I am forever grateful to both, if it wasn't for them my opportunity would have passed.”
“Today, I am now driving over-the-road to California and back for a transportation company. A lot of people don't believe there's opportunities after incarceration, but there are, and if you’re willing to put forth the effort, there are people out here willing to help with those opportunities.”