A 57-year-old Army veteran, who honorably retired after 20 years of service and was discharged in October 2017, reached out to PA CareerLink® Lehigh Valley on January 13, 2026 seeking assistance. The veteran, who self-identifies as 100% service-connected disabled, shared that despite holding a CDL-A license, they were repeatedly turned down for driving positions due to a lack of recent experience. This barrier had stalled their job search for months.

The DVOP immediately took action. On the same day, the DVOP contacted Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) to explore CDL-A training and potential veteran grant funding. By January 14, 2026, LCCC confirmed that the available grant also covered CDL-A refresher training—precisely what the veteran needed to regain competitiveness in the job market. Thanks to rapid coordination, the veteran was fully enrolled by January 20, 2026.

Training began on February 2, 2026 and concluded successfully on March 27, 2026. Throughout this period, the veteran maintained communication with a South Jersey employer in anticipation of relocating with their spouse. LCCC further supported the veteran by allowing weekly access to training equipment after graduation, helping them keep their skills sharp.

Just four days after completing training, on March 31, 2026, the veteran received a full-time job offer for a CDL-A driving position with ABC Supply in South Jersey. The employer scheduled a June 1, 2026 start date to align with the veteran’s relocation timeline. The veteran began employment on time at a wage of $27 per hour, marking a successful return to the workforce.

This case highlights the impact of proactive DVOP engagement, strong community partnerships, and the veteran’s own determination. By addressing a clear employment barrier and coordinating timely training access, PA CareerLink® helped the veteran secure stable, well-paid employment in their desired field.