At its January 20, 2012 Board meeting, TCWIB gave a STEP award to Josh Johns. Josh began his services with Career T.R.A.C.K. shortly after graduating from High School. Josh expressed to our staff that he did not have an easy cruise through high-school. Having in his past some family situations which caused him to move between several households, making some bad choices in the friends he hung out with, and possessing a learning disability all added to his struggles. But Josh was determined to do better for himself, and to get on the road to a successful career. He attended Lenape Vo-Tech and acquired a certification in machining upon graduation.
After graduation, Josh was unsure of what career direction he wanted to pursue, and did not possess any work experience, so he decided to come to the CareerLink for help. Josh was referred to the youth programs, and he worked with youth case manager Bryan to develop an Individualized Employment Plan, in which they planned out the services and steps Josh would take to explore different career options and ultimately gain career employment. Josh expressed an interest in trying out work in an office setting, and also wanted to participate in Career T.R.A.C.K.’s upcoming Work Certified Class, so he was placed as an intern in our office. Josh was an exemplary worker during his time with us, not missing a day of work, and even getting to the office early to start the coffee for the staff. He was always busy, assisting all of the CareerLink staff with job duties, while also networking with all of the staff to gain assistance with career exploration and job leads. Josh’s goal was to gain employment in a field of his interest, and he was very ambitious and determined to reach this goal.
Josh was a perfect fit for the Work Certified program, and through that certification program instructed by Career T.R.A.C.K., he gained the work-readiness competencies he needed to prepare to enter the world of work. Josh also scheduled regular appointments with the Career T.R.A.C.K. Job Developer, and attended every session of Job Club held at Career T.R.A.C.K. to fine tune his resume and interviewing skills and gain assistance in his job search. When he was referred by a Bureau of Workforce Development (BWDP) staff person to a job in the area seeking someone with a mechanical background, Josh quickly approached his Career T.R.A.C.K. case manager about coordinating an On-the-Job program for him with that employer. The employer, Projectile Tube, is a company located in Ford City, Armstrong County that specializes in work on furnaces and condensers in power plants. They were happy to work with Josh in a training program, which Josh successfully completed and was hired on full-time with the company at the end of December.
Within a three month time period of entering into Career T.R.A.C.K. services with no work experience, Josh is now preparing to travel to various power plants throughout the Country where he will earn a wage of between $25-$30 per hour. Armed with the tools and work skills he gained and through networking and the job referral process, Josh’s determination to gain employment and become a valued worker has paid off, and has also made him a success story of our Workforce Investment System.
Career T.R.A.C.K. is a service provider of TCWIB which offers adult, dislocated worker, and youth services to the tri-county region. TCWIB’s STEPS Success Program recognizes Success with TCWIB Programs, Employers, Participants, and Staff.
Pictured above from left to right - Jim Ferguson, TCWIB Chair; Josh Johns, STEP Award Winner