Watch Shakirah’s story here

Watch Gerrod’s story here

Watch Orion’s story here

Watch Laurian’s video here.

Watch Jamaal’s video here

Watch Quinn’s video here

Quin’shon M. is a 20-year-old Bridgeport resident and participant of The WorkPlace’s YouthBuild and ApprenticeshipWorks programs. “I felt that manufacturing would be a good stepping stone to lead me into my adult life. So that was when I dual-enrolled in the ApprenticeshipWorks program to get training for CNC Machining.The WorkPlace helped me with everything I needed to succeed. They provided transportation to training at Platt Technical School, gave me workboots & tools, and helped me attain my Drivers License Permit”.

Quin’shon has been working as Shop Technician at Rotair since June 13. The role is full-time with benefits. When asked about his future goals, Quin’shon said, “My short-term goals as of now are to complete my apprenticeship, earn my associate’s degree in Advanced Manufacturing at Housatonic Community College, and eventually pursue a bachelor’s degree.”

Maryann Pigage had been unemployed for five years before joining MaturityWorks. Prior she worked as an administrative assistant and front desk receptionist, overseeing financial data, recording confidential records, and arranging and planning meetings. Once that position ended, she found herself actively looking for employment, but her search was unsuccessful.  

Maryann’s primary barriers to employment were her lack of a professional network, self-confidence, and Microsoft Office skills. Since she had been out of work for five years, her skills were outdated. Maryann worked with her Career Counselor to address these barriers and was placed at RSVP Volunteers Inc. in King of Prussia, PA, as an administrative assistant for her training assignment. During her training she managed RSVP’s database, maintained their records, and responded to telephone calls, taking messages.

Maryann attended several training courses to advance her employable skills such as Microsoft Office, customer service, and administrative support classes. Once Maryann’s computer skills improved and her confidence boosted she began her job search. In addition Maryann and her career counselor began to inquire if permanent employment was a possibility at her host agency, RSVP. Once Maryann knew the agency was open to the idea of a hire, she began to learn all she could about the company and continued building relationships with people in the organization. 

Maryann’s hard work, and her willingness to work with her Career Counselor enabled her to move into a job at RSVP as an Administrative Assistant. Maryann is excited to be working as an employee of RSVP and grateful to the MaturiyWorks staff for their support.