Subsidized Training to a High-Demand Career in Tech

<< ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021

Matthias was laid off from his job at a major hospital in 2017 as part of a restructuring. In some ways this was fortunate, as injuries to his feet and joints had left him unable to pursue a career in healthcare. Recounting this time, he noted “constant daily pain and the inability to walk one hundred yards without a break” forced him to reconsider his career options. He had little money but a strong desire to move into the technology sector, so he applied for Training Benefits from the Employment Security Department.

Eventually, Matthias was connected to a case manager at TRAC Associates and enrolled in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which gave him tuition assistance to enroll in an Information Technology BA program through Western Governor’s University. Through the program, Matthias gained valuable certifications to prove to employers he possessed skills not indicated by his previous work experience. He gained a foothold in roles demonstrating proficiency with computers, and he began applying his knowledge to steadily gain promotions. Once he had a steady income, Matthias was able to self-fund the rest of his training program.

Although Matthias moved on from subsidized training, we know more of his story because he personally reached out to TRAC Associates expressing his gratitude for the opportunities that seeded his eventual success, and ultimately repaid the WIOA investments several times over through his substantial tax contributions.