“At 52 years old, I never thought I’d be able to make a life changing career move and learn an entirely new skill. After 32 years of working in the restaurant industry, I was laid off due to COVID-19. I was left unemployed, in the dark, and had no idea what to do. However, I’ve always had an interest in machining and welding. A training program with SkillsRI caught my eye, so I applied. I was cynical at first, but working with SkillsRI was a great experience. I worked with their team member Duncan, who was very easy to talk to and excited to help me enroll in the training. I learned things that would have been totally lost on me had I not participated in this program, like how to market myself with a resume and good interviewing skills – I had never filled out a resume in my life! The program really opened my eyes. As part of the program, we also had five weeks of welding training. The teacher was so positive and very encouraging. He made me feel comfortable to ask as many questions as I wanted. Sometimes, that meant we were there a little longer than expected, but I firmly believe that the effort you put in is what you’ll get out. And I was right! When I applied for my job at WR Sharples as a Die Rule Maker and CNC Operator, I was worried I didn’t have enough experience. But the SkillsRI training helped, and the owner of my company was really impressed with my resume. Now, I love going to work! It’s challenging, everything is different and every day is new. My wife even notices the difference in my mindset. I want people to know that it’s never too late to change your career. If you have the opportunity, just do it.”

“Since the pandemic started, working from home has really appealed to me, but I didn’t think I’d be lucky enough to find the right job amid COVID-19. To my surprise, it only took a few emails and a series of interviews through Skills for Rhode Island’s Future to get me a job that not only allows me to work from home, but also make a great impact in the community.

Through Skills for Rhode Island’s Future, I was able to get a job working for AAA roadside service assistance. Initially, I was nervous about what working from home would look like with AAA, but AAA has shown me how workforces can be resilient and adjust during tough times. The company wasted no time in showing me how easy it is to set up a work-from-home office, and team members made themselves available to answer all of my questions and also helped me get to know them better, which put me at ease.

Working for roadside service has shown me how essential our jobs are to keeping others safe. I love being able to take a stressful conversation with a customer and turn it into a positive one that ends with a feeling of ease, support, a laugh and often a thank you. This job is an opportunity to help me keep my family safe, while earning and learning new skills for the current workforce. It allows me to live the lifestyle I’ve always envisioned for myself.”