When Rachel Noble lost her position as a customer service representative, she faced an uncertain professional future. However, a strategic partnership with the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP) and the Kentucky Career Center helped Noble transform that setback into a sustainable career in the healthcare sector.
Following her layoff, Noble sought a career path that offered both stability and the opportunity to make a tangible difference in her community. Rather than returning to the retail or service industry, she utilized workforce development resources to enroll in the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) program through MedCertify.
This specialized training equipped Noble with the clinical skills necessary to transition into direct patient care. Today, she is successfully employed providing essential services to participants in the Michelle P. Waiver program, which helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive support in their homes and communities. In her new role, Noble delivers compassionate, dependable care to individuals, helping them maintain independence in their homes and improving their overall quality of life.
“Rachel initially came into our office after being laid off from her previous position, seeking guidance on her next steps. During our conversation, she expressed a strong interest in pursuing a career in the medical field, specifically as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) through MedCertify. We assisted Rachel with the enrollment process and provided ongoing support, guidance, and encouragement throughout her coursework.
Upon successful completion of her training, we worked closely with her to update her resume and explore employment opportunities. During this time, a local employer contacted our office seeking support for his son with disabilities, and Rachel was identified as a strong candidate. We were able to connect her with this opportunity, and she proved to be a wonderful fit, successfully securing employment in a role perfectly aligned with her skills and compassionate nature.”
— April Mullins, Career Advisor at LKLP
Noble’s journey highlights the effectiveness of targeted retraining in the face of economic displacement. She chose to advance her education and pursue a high-demand field like healthcare, securing her own professional future while providing a vital service to some of the region’s most vulnerable citizens.
Noble’s transition from a layoff to a specialized healthcare role underscores the importance of accessible vocational training. Her success showcases how displaced workers can leverage regional workforce programs to pivot into meaningful, long-term careers that strengthen the regional economy.
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.