Workforce System Success Stories - Workforce Development and Adult Learning

MEET FRANK...
Frank knows that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Frank was a high school graduate with multiple disabilities and little in the way of specialized skills. He had a job, but he wanted a career, and he knew he would need more than a high school diploma to reach his professional goals.

The staff at the Lower Shore Workforce Alliance (LSWA) first met Frank in 2020. They helped him evaluate career options, assess his interests and strengths, and develop an employment plan. Over the next two years, Frank maintained steady employment with a local restaurant while completing nearly 30 courses through SkillUp Lower Shore Initiative, a program that offers jobseekers free and unlimited access to more than 5,000 high-quality online training courses.

After successfully finishing courses in Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced CompTIA A+ Prep, Frank obtained related occupational certifications through Wor-Wic Community College. The LWSA Youth Engagement Specialist connected Frank with tutoring sessions twice a week to continually improve his skills in math and reading and worked with him to develop a résumé and build his interviewing skills. He added to these impressive accomplishments by participating in an externship with Telamon, using his newly acquired expertise to repair and update the organization’s computer systems.

Frank’s motivation and determination have helped him develop real momentum in his quest for a rewarding career in computer technology. He has even purchased a simulator with his own money to practice repairing and re-building computers in preparation an upcoming date with the CompTIA A+ certification exam. LSWA has even assisted Frank in taking a Driver’s Education course to prepare him to earn his Driver’s Permit. He is very close to realizing the goal he set for himself three years ago: he will soon begin interviewing for employment in the computer industry.

He has a lot to be proud of!