Genesee - After being laid off for the second time as a Leak Surveyor, Nygel decided it was time to acquire a career where layoffs weren’t as common. On September 24, 2021, Nygel met with a Career Coach to discuss the path to becoming a CDL-A Driver. After completing the Workplace Excellence workshops and CASAS assessment, Nygel was enrolled in the WIOA program as a Dislocated Worker.

Nygel started CDL-A training at 160 Driving Academy in Flint on November 22, 2021. Since Nygel was training during the winter months and spent a lot of time outside, he needed winter gear to keep warm. He reached out to his Career Coach and was able to get a pair of boots, a coat, insulated pants, and other cold-weather accessories.

Though it took longer than anticipated, Nygel graduated from 160 Driving Academy and received his CDL-A license on June 15, 2022. He was very diligent in applying for employment and secured an interview with Coca-Cola within a week after receiving his license. On August 22, 2022, Nygel started at Coca-Cola as a CDL-A Driver making $24.98/hr with benefits.

Nygel stated, “I really appreciate how GST Michigan Works! helped me with a career change. I am now in a new tax bracket. It took a lot of trying to get there, but now I am in the big league and getting my turn at bat.”