In August 2024, Averic walked into PA CareerLink® Lehigh Valley with a clear goal in mind: he wanted to pursue a career in heavy equipment operation. Having always been interested in working with machinery, Averic knew this was the path he wanted to take, but he was unsure how to get there. That is when he enrolled in the WIOA Out-of-School (OSY) program, eager to receive the guidance and support he needed to turn his ambition into reality.

Right from the start, Averic met with his Career Counselor, who worked with him to create a personalized action plan. The plan was designed to help him take the necessary steps toward his career goal. With a clear direction in mind, Averic dove into the “You’re Hired” curriculum, tackling several essential courses, each one teaching him valuable skills that would serve him throughout his professional journey. He learned how to network effectively to find job opportunities, master time management, and navigate online job searches. Additionally, he gained critical knowledge in job retention, ensuring that he would not only find a job but also keep it for the long haul. Averic completed the workshops by the end of September 2024, and felt confident and prepared to take the next steps toward his goals.

Soon after, Averic began collaborating with his Recruiter, who helped him launch his job search and take the necessary steps to pursue his heavy equipment training. In October 2024, Averic began his training at Lehigh Career & Technical Institute (LCTI), where he immersed himself in learning the technical skills required to operate heavy equipment. His dedication and determination were evident as he maintained excellent attendance and earned high marks in his coursework. By November 2024, Averic successfully completed his training, earned his certification, and felt proud of all that he had accomplished.

But the journey did not stop there. In December 2024, Averic’s hard work paid off when he secured a position as a Heavy Equipment Operator at Semmel Excavating. His new role paid him $22.00 per hour, and he was thrilled to know that his salary would increase to $26.00 per hour in the coming months as he gained more experience and expertise.

Reflecting on his journey, Averic shared how grateful he was for the support he received from CareerLink. The program helped him navigate the challenges and provided him with the tools he needed to succeed. Now, he is not only excited about his new career but also deeply appreciative of the guidance and resources that set him on the path to success.