DISLOCATED WORKER QUICKLY REBOUNDS VIA TRAINING PROGRAM…
Summerville resident Kurtis Matthews worked hard to secure permanent employment with a local manufacturer — only for the company to leave the area weeks later. Fortunately, Matthews was able to enroll in the SC Works Trident Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, which quickly helped him into a new full-time career.
“I was faced with difficult decisions as the holidays approached,” said Matthews. “So I decided to enroll in the SC Works Trident WIOA program in December 2016 to help make my next career move.”
Once in the program, SC Works Trident Workforce Development Specialist, Gene Borzendowski, began by exploring several employment and training opportunities. After due diligence and research, they together landed at a solution: Matthews enrolled in the Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Boot Camp program at Trident Technical College with the assistance of WIOA funding.
“Kurtis performed exemplary work throughout the course,” Borzendowski said. “He is a shining example of perseverance when trying to achieve your goals.”
When Matthews graduated in 2017, employers were seeking him out for positions. After weighing his options, he accepted a full-time role with Stoba, an auto manufacturing plant in Charleston, making more than $18 an hour.
“I am so appreciative of having SC Works Trident and Gene as my career coach to help me get my life back on track,” said Matthews. “I still check in with him each month to give him an update on my career.”
SC Works helps individuals find their dream career at all stages of life. For more information on SC Works Trident, please visit www.tridentscworks.org.