Armando
Armando is a job seeker who was able to launch a new career with assistance from the team at the Mid-South American Jobs Center (AJC) operated by E&ES.
Armando was working two jobs in 2020, but was laid off from his hospitality service job at the Hyatt and his security job at the United Center within a month due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Armando was determined to find a new way to provide for his family, despite the pandemic. That’s when a friend, and former E&ES participant, referred him to the Mid-South AJC.
With the help of his Career Coach, Darlene, Armando quickly and easily enrolled in a CDL Driving program at the Progressive Driving School, paid for through WIOA programming available at the Mid-South AJC. Armando qualified for E&ES programs as a Dislocated Worker. He had always been interested in a career as a CDL driver but had never pursued it because he could not afford a training program.
The instructors at Progressive Driving School were patient, making sure Armando had all the information he needed to be a safe and efficient driver. In just four months, Armando was able to pivot his career, and get hired as a driver for Delta Logistics; his role changed recently, and he now works as a forklift operator and earns $33.50 /hr. Armando now earns significantly more than he did prior to the pandemic.
From Armando: “If you’re looking for a good job, they’re out there. E&ES can help you get there.”