Motivated Veteran ‘Certifies’ His Career Path

When it was time for James to transition from the armed forces, he enlisted a Goodwill® career coach to help him translate his military experience with the U.S. Army and National Guard into a thriving career path.

Goodwill guided James to enroll in Goodwill Industries International’s Operation: Achieve grant program to see through his vision: preparation and training to become a welder. To support James’ career aspirations, Goodwill provided funding for training as well as other supportive services such as transportation assistance to ensure no barriers stood in the way of him completing the program.

James not only completed 100 hours of training to obtain his welding certification, but he also earned first aid/CPR and forklift certifications.

For James, coming to Goodwill ushered in a world of possibilities. His welder training and certification, coupled with assistance to update his resume, led to James’ immediate employment with EmpireWorks Reconstruction and Painting. James can now better provide for his child and has newfound confidence as a participant in the civilian workforce.

Having found himself firmly on the path he envisioned, James is looking ahead to a long and meaningful career, beginning with research on how to join a welding union and be trained as an underwater welder.

James’s eagerness to obtain work experience and passion for learning will surely be rewarded long into the future.

Goodwill helped James build a future in welding.

Learn how Goodwill’s Career Services and Veteran Services can work for you.