Written by Claire Calhoun, Lead Workforce Advisor – Clackamas Community College
Troy was referred to Clackamas Community College’s (CCC) Workforce Development Department by the Trade Act (TAA) Navigator with WorkSource Clackamas. Troy was laid off from his job with Boeing as a Maintenance Repairman in Spring of 2020. Troy decided he would like to pursue CDL training which would make him eligible for a few jobs he had his eye on. Troy had all the experience for these jobs, he was just missing the CDL license.
The Trade Act team worked with Troy to get him on the path that would lead to being approved for TAA training. Troy’s Trade Act Case Manager and Workforce Advisor of CCC’s Workforce Development Department coordinated services and resources in order to support Troy’s expenses needed for his training. There were expenses Trade Act was able to cover, such as training and licensing fees, and some they were not able to cover that the Workforce Department could support. Troy began CDL Truck Driver training with 160 Driving in May of 2021 and he completed it at the end of June 2021. Troy began applying to jobs in June, participated in interviews and was offered a job with the City of Portland as an Industrial Maintenance Millwright starting at the end of June 2021. Having his CDL was instrumental in him getting this position as it was a requirement to apply.
In one year, Troy found a training he wanted to pursue, successfully completed it, received his CDL license and was offered a full time job with benefits making almost $34 per hour. While coordinating services within WorkSource Clackamas, Troy had the support and resources to reach his goal. Troy’s hard work has paid off and we wish him continued success!
Below is an email received by the Trade Act Navigator, Trade Act Case Manager and Workforce Advisor from Troy, along with a photo.
“To everyone that has been helping me along the way. Thank you! I passed my CDL driving test yesterday will be going into the DMV .. to get a couple of more endorsements and my license change over to a CDL.”