Success Stories
Tyrone
Tyrone joined the RochesterWorks Navigator Program where he was successfully able to transition from low-paying security work to a higher-paying construction career through career exploration, training, and paid internships.
Supported with coaching, training, and resources, he earned OSHA certification, developed multiple construction skills, and secured a full-time maintenance job. After a brief move to Florida, Tyrone returned to Rochester, refreshed his skills, and landed an even better job. He now works full-time with benefits and recently bought a car.
- Construction Worker
- Maintenance Worker
When Tyrone enrolled in the RochesterWorks Navigator Program, he was a high school graduate with a work history of stadium jobs and fast food. At the time he signed on to the program, Tyrone was working as a security guard and described his job as “boring,” and “barely paid his bills.” His personal life was complicated and stressful at times, but he found solace in meditation and music. As part of the program, Tyrone was assigned a Navigator who helped him complete career exploration workshops, which helped Tyrone decide that construction work was what he wanted to learn and do. He had some big goals!
Tyrone’s Navigator set up a paid internship at the Isaac Information Training and Education Center (ITEC) for him, but he was worried about quitting his current job and losing the income that provided. Knowing this, his Navigator was able to give Tyrone encouragement and coaching on how to communicate with his current employer in order to see if continuing to work weekends-only could be a possibility for him–if he decided to go that route.
Tyrone then participated in the Basic Construction Program at ITEC (while getting paid!), where he first earned his Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s 10-hour Safety Certificate (OSHA), and then learned a variety of construction skills, including basic heating and cooling, electrical, framing, drywall, and plumbing. His Navigator was also able to help Tyrone get work clothes, boots, and tools through supportive service grants. Within weeks of his graduation, he landed a full-time job in maintenance.
Following a bigger job opportunity, Tyrone moved to Florida temporarily but ultimately decide to move back to Rochester. Upon learning of his return to Rochester, his Navigator re-linked him with ITEC, and after a few weeks of refresher classes and peer-mentoring, Tyrone landed an even better job than he had before.
Today, Tyrone is a professional maintenance worker, employed full time with paid time off! He also recently purchased a car he loves! He is filled with gratitude and respect for the RochesterWorks Navigator Program.
