My most positive experience in the WIOA Youth Program is working with my career planner! She is very kind; always checking in, helping whenever she can, doing all this while laughing and bringing a positive attitude.
Saul is a talented young man who has so many interests and passions that it was getting difficult to choose just one career – and easy to get lost in the options. He went to a four-year college, tech school, and even a trade school, graduating with a diploma in electricity. After all that, however, he hadn’t found his passion and felt himself drifting.
“I was very interested in this field, but I wasn’t sure if it was for me even after I had gone through the program,” Saul explains. “I had no luck in landing a job either.”
Then his best friend gave him the tip that changed everything.
“My best friend brought up the WIOA Youth Program and all of the great things they were doing for him! How they were supporting him with anything that may cause worry while pursuing his goals in life!”
Saul cuts to the chase
The Wisconsin Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) program is designed to help people navigate their career options, find training or higher education, and provide the resources to pursue those opportunities. The WIOA Youth program is tailored to the needs of young adults entering the workforce. Saul had tried so many other paths by this point that WIOA almost sounded too good to be true; but he trusted his friend and decided to give it a shot.
Saul soon met his Career Planner, Jua. She quickly became a treasured part of his life. Her guidance, resourcefulness, and positive attitude enabled him to accomplish his goals.
“I am so grateful that I was assigned to her,” Saul says. “She has been so helpful throughout the whole process. She is very kind; always checking in, helping whenever she can, doing all this while laughing and bringing a positive attitude. Jua makes my goals that much more achievable!”
Jua also helped Saul find the training, educational funding, and resources he needed to get his start in something completely different. She helped Saul comb through his passions and choose the profession that brings meaning to his days – as well as a paycheck that keeps Saul positioned for a successful future.
Saul goes a cut beyond
As a result, today Saul’s uncertainty has been replaced with renewed enthusiasm for his new career as a barber. Beyond providing his clients with stylish cuts and a relaxing experience, Saul wants to have the kind of life-changing, positive impact on others that WIOA had on him.
“I want to help as many people as I can, starting with my clients and then eventually giving back to my community. I am not sure how I want this dream to end, but like they say, the best dreams happen when you are awake.”
We are so glad you are living your dream, Saul. Congratulations!
WIOA in the Menasha area is made possible by the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board.
