Building a New Life Through Opportunity and Determination
When Hasan arrived in the United States as a refugee, he brought with him a strong desire to learn, work, and build a self-sufficient future. Motivated and eager, Hasan knew that gaining the right skills would be key to finding stable employment and creating new opportunities for himself in his new home.
To take those first steps, Hasan enrolled in the FoodShare Employment and Training (FSET) program, seeking guidance and support in his job search. Through FSET, he was connected with resources designed to help him overcome barriers, strengthen his skills, and move closer to meaningful employment. His participation also led to enrollment in the Refugee Support Services (RSS) program, allowing him to receive additional wraparound support as he worked toward his goals.
FSET and WIOA Open Doors to Skills Training
Recognizing Hasan’s motivation and potential, his FSET case manager, Emily, encouraged him to explore a unique training opportunity made possible through a partnership between FSET, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC). The cohort-based CNC Press Brake Training was designed to prepare participants for in-demand manufacturing careers.
“Hasan was super interested when the FSET program partnered with WIOA and FVTC to have a cohort of participants complete a CNC Press Brake Training,” Emily shared. Despite being an English language learner, Hasan fully committed himself to the program. With the WIOA program covering the cost of training, financial barriers were removed, allowing Hasan to focus on learning and skill-building.
His dedication paid off. Hasan became one of only two graduates in the entire class—an achievement that speaks volumes about his perseverance and work ethic.
Confidence, Credentials, and a Clear Path Forward
Completing the CNC Press Brake Training not only gave Hasan an industry-recognized credential, but it also strengthened his confidence and English language skills. Emily proudly noted, “We are so proud of Hasan’s achievement and can’t wait to see what he does next.”
Today, Hasan is actively seeking employment in the manufacturing field, where his new certification is already opening doors. Looking ahead, he hopes to transfer college credits from Iraq to the U.S. and continue building a future filled with stability, growth, and opportunity.
Through the combined support of FSET and WIOA, Hasan’s journey shows how targeted training and personalized support can empower individuals to achieve self-sufficiency—and pursue any dream they set their sights on.
WIOA in this area is made possible by the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board.
