Kierson
Kierson worked at Stellantis/FCA USA for almost 10 years when the plant shut down. He attended a Rapid Response workshop and came to The Workforce Connection for assistance. He enrolled in the Trade program and was both excited and a bit apprehensive about attending school again. Kierson had been out of school for many years, but was looking forward to starting a new career to better support his family. As a single father of a daughter with special needs, he knew it would not be easy, but he was ready and motivated to begin.
With assistance from his career planner, Kierson explored options and decided to become a welder. He enrolled in an 8-month, full-time Welding program at Rockford Career College. After eight challenging, yet rewarding months, Kierson earned his diploma in Welding! Very quickly after graduating, he obtained a position at Hennig, Inc. as a welder.
Kierson is really enjoying his new career as a welder and enjoys using his new skills. His new career provides a livable wage and benefits, including health insurance, which is particularly important to him and his daughter. Kierson states, “Without the opportunity of this program, there was not an option for me to go to school. I would have had to just find another job. Now, I have something to build from.”
When asked if he wanted to share anything else about his success and the WIOA and Trade programs, Kierson said, “I highly recommend the program to anyone eligible. They would be a fool not to take advantage of it!”