Making a Difference

Algene was referred to us by the AZ@Work Tracker system from January 2024. Algene was enrolled in the Adult and Dislocated worker program with AZ@Work Pinal County at that time. Christine made the initial phone call to Algene, and he was interested in the NFJP program after a short narrative. A meeting was scheduled with Algene and had discussion about his agricultural experience. He was a perfect fit for the National Farmworker Jobs Program. Algene had a couple of barriers that were addressed, which were his felony, minimal work history, as well as being incarcerated for 20 years. We knew that it might impact his career path. Algene initially wanted to work in the computer programming or computer database field, but he knew it would take a college career to do this, so his next career goal was to earn a Commercial Driver’s License. 

Algene took a PICS Assessment, which indicated that he was a Conventional worker and that he likes to work with set procedures, data, and details. Favorable jobs are working with numbers, machines, and computers. Accounting, banking, statistics, office work, and computer applications. His second highest score was in Realistic work. This category indicates that he likes to work with tools, machines, and prefers physical, outdoor, and mechanical work and prefers a structured work environment. Workers with high realistic interests are found in construction and skilled trades, production and manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, hospitality and recreation, food service and natural resources. The realistic option fits in with Algene's training goal of CDL.

We initially started the Occupational Skills Training paperwork for Algene to attend Southwest Truck Driver Training in Tucson but due to delays, Algene was able to obtain funding for the CDL Training from 

AZ@Work. The CDL training program with Phoenix Truck Driving School began on February 19, 2024. During this time, Algene was provided with Gas Cards to get to training, and we kept in communication with AZ@Work as Algene progressed through his training. We helped pay for waterproof boots and jeans when Algene initially started working. Algene’s employer was able to provide him with a promise for advancement into becoming a CDL driver as soon as he finished the training program. Algene attended CDL training during the day and at times slept in his car at his jobsite so he could then work full-time overnight. Algene was determined to finish his CDL Training, he kept this schedule for four weeks until he completed his training on March 15, 2024. Algene’s CDL License was issued April 5, 2024. Algene transferred over to a CDL Driver title with Desert Ready Mix LLC making $30/hour. Algene takes advantage of the overtime hours making time and half wages. Algene recently purchased a new SUV and married his fiancé. Algene has been successful in his training and career path.

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From education to healthcare, PPEP - NFJP offers a variety of programs to support the community. Learn more about our initiatives and how we make a positive impact.