Katrina
Katrina entered the WIOA program as an “out-of-school youth” seeking to earn her GED. In spite of traumatic experiences in her earlier life, she found the courage and determination to succeed. She participated in several WIOA Work Experience opportunities through the Illinois workNet™ Center in Champaign: helping in the reception and resource room areas, providing customer service in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and helping with computer programming at the Urbana Neighborhood Connections Center (UNCC). In addition, Katrina received assistance for transportation and childcare through the WIOA program.
As a single mother of three, Katrina knew she needed full-time employment to help support her children. While enrolled in the Medical Assisting program at Parkland College, she found full-time employment as a front desk receptionist for Midwest Underground Technology (MUTI), a nationwide company— earning $13.00 per hour through WIOA’s “On-the Job-Training” program. Katrina excelled at her job and was recently promoted to a Project Assistant position, paying $14.00 per hour.
“I absolutely love working at MUTI. It has been an amazing opportunity for me as well as a great learning experience. The WIOA program has helped me change my life and the lives of my children. I will be forever grateful,” Katrina says.