In a quest for stability, Aaron sought out the ARIZONA@WORK Maricopa County Mesa office with a clear objective: to secure a WIOA training grant for a Welding Technician program. At the time, his employment was unpredictable, relying solely on commission-based work that left his family of five in financial uncertainty.
With a background that included five felony convictions and just one year off probation, Aaron was well aware of the limited job prospects available to him. Determined to break through these barriers, he explored career options and found welding to be a promising path.
Despite the high cost of the Welding Technician program, which exceeded the WIOA grant limits, Aaron’s father stepped in to cover the remaining expenses. This familial support, along with the grant, enabled Aaron to pursue the training.
Completing the six-week course at the Vocational Training Institute, Aaron’s exemplary performance earned him an additional no-cost welding course from the school. His dedication was further proven when he achieved his American Welding Society (AWS) welding certification.
This credential was instrumental in his job search, leading to employment as a welder with GTI Energy, where he now earns $25.00 per hour.
Aaron expresses deep gratitude for the financial assistance that made his training possible. He acknowledges that without this support, he wouldn’t have completed the program, obtained his AWS certification, or embarked on his new career journey.
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