Andrew Walker arrived in Somerset, KY, looking for a clean slate and a chance to start over. A local workforce partnership connected him with the training and support he needed to build a new career as a commercial driver with SRM Concrete.
Eighteen months ago, while living in Martinsburg, West Virginia, Walker found himself struggling with addiction and a sense of hopelessness. Recognizing that he needed to make a change, he took a leap of faith and relocated to Somerset, determined to build a better future.
“Before I started getting services and all that, I was not that good off. I was doing drugs,” shared Walker.
In pursuit of a fresh start, he connected with the local Goodwill in Somerset, where Rachel Perry became his designated Career Coach. Perry referred Walker to EKCEP Career Navigator Jeremy Lewis for additional support as he explored his career options.
After learning about Walker’s background and aspirations, Lewis connected him with EKCEP’s virtual reality (VR) career exploration services. Using interactive simulations designed to help job seekers explore career options, Walker learned about different occupations and identified those that matched his interests.
Upon testing the commercial driver’s license (CDL) simulation, Walker instantly shifted his focus toward commercial driving. Recognizing his enthusiasm, Perry contacted Lewis to explore funding options that could help him turn that interest into a career.
“I decided instead of being a heavy machinery operator to get my CDL,” said Walker. “I was on that VR headset for probably no longer than five minutes. And then it just piqued my interest that I’d rather do that.”
Walker was connected with the Kentucky Career Center in Somerset, which provided additional support to cover the cost of Walker’s CDL training. EKCEP provided separate supportive services to help cover other costs that might prevent him from completing his training, such as transportation support.
Through their partnership, Goodwill, EKCEP, and the Kentucky Career Center in Somerset combined resources to help Walker gain the skills needed for employment. Together, they connected him with career coaching, career exploration, training assistance, and wraparound services to help him complete training and enter his new career.
With that support secured, Walker also completed EKCEP’s customer service course before enrolling at Lake Cumberland CDL School. The intensive program moved quickly, allowing him to complete his CDL instruction in just four weeks.
After obtaining his CDL, Walker secured a professional driving position with SRM Concrete. He later relocated to Georgetown, Kentucky, to shorten his daily commute and make the most of his new career opportunity.
When reflecting on guidance for individuals facing similar circumstances, Walker emphasized that taking that initial leap of faith served as the pivotal first step along his path toward success. Looking back, Walker credits the assistance he received through the partnership between EKCEP and Goodwill with helping him turn his career aspirations into reality.
“Take a chance,” stated Walker. “If you want to do it, you can put your mind to it and then you can do it. But I would 100% take that chance if you want to change your life around. It’s worth it.”
EKCEP, a nonprofit workforce development agency headquartered in Hazard, Ky., serves the citizens of 23 Appalachian coalfield counties. EKCEP is funded by the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, along with various federal and state grants and private donations, and is a proud partner in the American Job Center network. Learn more at ekcep.org.