PA CareerLink® provides comprehensive services for both jobseekers and employers. It helps participants learn new skills, including how to write a resume, prepare for an interview, and maintain steady employment. Through this partnership, JEVS Human Services (JEVS) supports employment in the Philadelphia region.
PA CareerLink® participant, Okeim, recently shared his experience with us.
“My journey with CareerLink began when I met my JEVS career counselor, Ms. G. She gave me some suggestions about trades that could help me not face this situation ever again if I paid attention and did what I had to do. She also helped me to get clothing and public transit.
Since I like to travel, Ms. G. suggested that I get my CDL class A license. To see the world and get paid to do it made sense to me! So, I took her advice, and my journey was off to a good start. I would have to wait for all the paperwork to go through; but my mother always said anything worth having is worth waiting for.
After consistent efforts over four months, I finally received a call from Ms. G. Unfortunately, it came two days after my mother’s death. I was crushed but more determined than ever!
Ms. G contacted Congreso where I would take CDL classes. [Congreso works with JEVS as a training provider to prepare students to go to CDL schools.]
After I obtained my CDL (commercial driving learning permit) class A, I had my interview at Congreso. Congreso helped me pick Smith and Solomon Commercial Driving School. I stayed in constant contact with their administrator, Ms. Kiki, and assistant administrator, Ms. Sharday.
Once at the school, I started receiving my monthly transpass and keeping my counselor up-to-date with my progress. I am proud to say that I obtained my class A commercial driver’s license.
A new journey now begins as I look to join the commercial driving workforce.
I would like to say thank you to Ms. G and everyone that was involved in my getting to PA CareerLink®. Thank you for having these types of programs because I didn’t have to pay for anything out-of-pocket. Thank you also to Ms. Kim and Ms. Mayra at Congreso; Ms. Kiki and Ms. Sharday at Smith and Solomon; and last, but not least, my instructor Ms. Baker.”
To learn more about PA CareerLink®, click this link.
