Flint - Unemployed and expecting a newborn, 21-year-old Jalen was experiencing some anxiety. His lengthy gap in employment, and minimal skill-set, were starting to make him feel like he would not be able to “catch up” in time to have the job security and wages necessary to support his new family.

Time and money were in short supply, so a lengthy commitment to a traditional degree was not an option. But a short-term trade certification seemed like a good solution. Jalen connected with GST Michigan Works and was introduced to his career coach in Career Services. He researched several training options and settled on CDL-A training. He researched the industry requirements and commitments. It appeared to be exactly what he was looking for.

Shortly after he started his CDL-A training, with 160 Driving Academy, he discovered he needed repairs to his car. The Support Services team reacted quickly to his request for assistance. Jalen was able to successfully complete his training and begin his job search.

A stellar training record led him to employment almost immediately. Universal Logistics snatched him from the applicant pool and offered him a full-time driving job that would have him home every day. He said, “I was prepared to go over-the-road, because it was what I had to do for my family. This is better than I could have hoped for.”

Jalen no longer has the same concerns that he had just a few short months ago. He’s earning a great wage, gets to be with his family every day, and has an industry recognized credential for a job that he loves. Now, his biggest concern is what to buy for his little one’s birthday.