In September 2023, Mohamad embarked on a transformative journey by enrolling in the WIOA Out-of-School Youth program, facilitated through the partnership of the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley and PA CareerLink®. With a vision for his future, Mohamad had a clear goal: to earn his CDL A license and secure stable employment.

At the time of his enrollment, Mohamad was working full-time as a security guard. Despite the demands of his job, he showed remarkable dedication by adjusting his schedule to attend in-person Employability Skills workshops. These workshops equipped him with essential skills such as crafting an effective resume and cover letter, mastering interview techniques, and understanding job retention strategies.

Mohamad worked closely with his recruiter to identify the best CDL A training provider. With diligence and focused research, he chose to attend Lehigh Career & Technical Institute (LCTI) for his training. However, before starting, Mohamad needed to pass the CASAS assessment. His first attempt did not yield the required scores, leaving him momentarily disheartened. Yet, with unwavering support from his career advisor and recruiter, he enrolled at Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) for remediation courses.

Through dedication and hard work, Mohamad successfully completed his courses at LCCC, achieving the necessary scores for LCTI’s CDL A program. As he prepared to begin his training, another challenge arose: medical concerns that temporarily postponed his start date. Undeterred, Mohamad addressed his health needs and was soon medically cleared to proceed. In April 2024, he officially started his CDL A training at LCTI.

With resilience and determination, Mohamad completed the program and proudly obtained his CDL A license in June 2024. His journey did not end there. The job search process proved challenging, but his recruiter’s guidance, Mohamad secured an opportunity for On-the-Job Training (OJT) with NFI Industries in July 2024. Thrilled to seize this chance, he dedicated himself fully, completing his OJT in September 2024 and earning a full-time position with the company.

Mohamad’s story is a testament to perseverance. Despite facing numerous setbacks and obstacles, he remained steadfast in his pursuit of stability and success. Today, Mohamad stands as a symbol of resilience and hard work, having transformed his ambition into reality through the power of persistence and support.