Mary Hubbard's journey from a high school student working her first job at a local dental office to achieving her goal of becoming a registered nurse is a testament to both the power of perseverance and the support available for Eastern Kentuckians through the Kentucky Career Center JobSight network.

Hubbard's path toward a fulfilling career began during her high school years. After enrolling in the youth service program through the career center at KCEOC Community Action Partnership in Knox County, she gained experience in the working world, eventually landing a work experience job at a local dental office. However, she aspired to something more meaningful.

"I was tired of jobs that were going nowhere. I really wanted a career that was fulfilling," Hubbard said.

Hubbard's desire for a meaningful career led her back to the KCEOC career center. KCEOC provides Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) services in Knox County under contract with the Eastern Kentucky Concentrated Employment Program (EKCEP). These services include programs for adults, dislocated workers, and youth between 18 and 24 who need assistance with résumé building, networking, retraining, or education.

Hubbard quickly connected again with KCEOC Career Advisor Jimmy Siler, who helped her determine what support was available to reach her goal of becoming a nurse. Siler connected her with resources that included help covering transportation costs, books, clothing for clinicals, and even a stethoscope. That support proved invaluable.

"Honestly, without my career advisor and the help of KCEOC, I don't think I would be a registered nurse today," she said.

Hubbard's high school work experience helped her discover her passion for the medical field. She credits her decision to enroll in services at KCEOC for helping her get started and providing the support she needed to succeed.

"Everyone at that office was incredibly welcoming, and I didn't feel any judgment when I told them I had nothing and that I needed help," she said.

Fast forward to July 2024 and Hubbard’s hard work has paid off and she is working as a registered nurse at Baptist Health, and she loves her job. She encourages others seeking a new career path who may also need a boost in their careers to pursue their dreams with the help of KCEOC and the Kentucky Career Center.

"I absolutely recommend the Kentucky Career Center's services," Hubbard said. "They have helped me so much. If I was interested in something I knew nothing about, they could answer my questions or point me in the right direction. They were incredibly helpful."

If you're interested in applying for career and employment services, visit jobsight.org/locations to find your nearest Kentucky Career Center JobSight and contact a career advisor.

EKCEP, a nonprofit workforce development agency headquartered in Hazard, Ky., serves the citizens of 23 Appalachian coalfield counties. The agency provides an array of workforce development services and operates the Kentucky Career Center JobSight network of workforce centers, which provide access to more than a dozen state and federal programs that offer employment and training assistance for jobseekers and employers all under one roof. Learn more about us at http://www.ekcep.org, http://www.jobsight.org and http://www.facebook.com/ekcep.

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