Success Story:
NFJP Program and Partner Collaboration Helps Young Woman Pursue a Career in Trucking
Carlisa, North Carolina
Carlisa grew up in a small, rural town in Bertie County, North Carolina. After graduating from Bertie STEM High School, she studied Business at North Carolina Central University. Within two years at college, she struggled to sustain herself financially while attending school. She made the difficult decision to leave college and return home to work full-time to make ends meet.
Carlisa worked at a local chicken processing plant for about six months splitting and cutting raw chicken. Torn between earning an income and pursuing an education, she reached out to Telamon-TRC’s Workforce and Career Services office to explore what options might be available. While speaking with a development specialist, she learned about the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP). With Telamon’s support, she determined that learning a trade would be the best fit for her.
“Carlisa is a joy. She comes in, does her work, and she doesn’t complain. If you could send me 10 more people just like her, that would be great!” – Donna Gray, Carolina Trucking Academy
Through Telamon’s program partner—Carolina Trucking Academy—Carlisa was able to pursue a dual education program that allowed her to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Heavy Equipment Operator certification. Telamon covered the cost of tuition, fees and supplies—along with other support services. Carolina Trucking Academy provided high quality training by instructors who genuinely cared about her success. The community partnership, along with Carlisa’s drive and determination, enabled her to complete the 5-week program and obtain her CDL and Heavy Equipment Operator certification. We hope that Clarisa’s training and perseverance will lead her to success on the road ahead.
Telamon-TRC’s Workforce & Career Services encompasses a broad array of customized work readiness and job skill training programs, focusing on helping farmworkers, and youth who seek to build skills and career paths. Work readiness and job skill development are often supplemented by language services (ESL), educational support (GED) and includes one-on-one counseling, group workshops and supportive services.
Since 1965 Telamon-TRC has helped individuals like you access services that lead to better jobs, better lives, and better communities. Find a Workforce & Career Services program near you today.