There is financial security for my family and in this industry. I won’t need to be in the streets trying to get ahead.
One thing we love about Cristian is that when he knows something is going to be tough, it motivates him to do better than ever.
That was the winning attitude he stepped into our Highway Construction Skills Training (HCST) with, and it’s been paying off big. It helped him earn a career in construction with rewarding opportunities, stability, and room to grow.
From the streets to a career
“It has meant a lot to me,” Cristian says about his job, remembering how he used to be in the streets daily – taking whatever odd jobs he could to support his family. He didn’t have a clear direction about his career, but he wanted to steer clear of trouble and was willing to learn.
HCST gave him the chance to enter construction with credentials and without further debt. In fact, he got stipends just to train, and then he graduated straight into a career.
“There is financial security for my family and in this industry,” he says, adding that “I won’t need to be in the streets trying to get ahead.”
Training transforms Cristian’s future
In fact, Cristian already had a valid Class A, but he struggled to find stable employment. In HCST, Cristian enjoyed hands-on skills training while developing professionally to build a solid foundation for his future.
Cristian proved himself great at analyzing situations and brainstorming ideas. He was always willing to help his classmates and says that interacting with them was one of his favorite parts of the class. His instructor, Lorie, was especially impressed when he completed all the graduation requirements in just three weeks, when it usually takes five.
“He clearly had a lot to offer any contractor,” Lorie says, adding that she “believed Cristian merely needed to learn stronger ways to promote himself and build his confidence.”
How hard work keeps Cristian on easy street
Now, Cristian says that getting work is easy. Construction has enabled him to focus on his career and feed his family. With great credentials and a proven work ethic, he’s making a name for himself that employers trust. Even during a recent lay-off, all it took was a phone call for Cristian to secure another job.
“I was called out on this job by the union hall – it meant they wanted me,” Cristian says. “I was just laid off, and it took me only one phone call to the hall and I have another job. It was so smooth.”
Cristian says that getting back into the mindset of school and studying was the hardest part. Even so, he was always willing to help others and worked diligently to get ahead.
If you want to start your career in construction and think HCST is right for you, Cristian says, “Go after your career to build a future. It’s a great opportunity, and there is plenty of work out there.”
Congratulations, Cristian!
