Michael
Before Michael found his way to Jane Addams Resource Corporation Rhode Island (JARC RI), his work life was unpredictable. “From job to job, you know, never really having anything that I was like, set in any kind of career,” he recalls. For years, Michael bounced from one role to another, unsure of what path to pursue. Then one day, his wife came across JARC RI online. “Honestly, my wife seen it online,” Michael said. “That’s how I checked it out.” That chance discovery set in motion a transformation neither of them expected.
”“Once we started working on the machines...it wasn’t overwhelming. It made me feel more comfortable.”
MichaelJARC Rhode Island, CNC Graduate
”“I didn’t think I’d be able to do it at first, and then by the end of it, I was like, Oh wow. That wasn’t as bad as I thought.”
When Michael enrolled in JARC RI’s training program, it was a leap into the unknown. “The program was nice, I mean, I enjoyed it. At first, it was a little overwhelming,” he admits. But with persistence and support, he found his footing. “I stuck it out, and everybody was pretty nice there and helpful.” Like many adult learners returning to the classroom, Michael faced academic hurdles, particularly with trigonometry. “Trigonometry was kind of a pain,” he said. “I haven’t done it in so long, but once you practice it, it kind of comes back to you.” Thankfully, his instructor John guided him through, providing practice tests and encouragement along the way.
For Michael, JARC RI was more than just a training program; it was a turning point.
Michael also accessed support services during his training, like weekly gas cards to help cover transportation costs. While some funding support changed toward the end of his training, he remained focused on the bigger picture: earning industry-recognized certifications and securing a job. “Once we started working on the machines…it wasn’t overwhelming. It made me feel more comfortable.” Hands-on learning and personalized instruction helped Michael build confidence and real-world skills that set him up for success. While at JARC RI, Michael received three employment coaching sessions and 21 sessions focused on financial, work, and education coaching.
Today, Michael is employed as a Machinist at Senko Advanced Components in Bristol, Rhode Island. “I’m working on a machine, a [computer numerical control] CNC mill machine right now, and it’s pretty easy,” he shared with pride. “Actually, my 90th day was yesterday.” With steady work and a $19.19 hourly wage, soon increasing to $22.50 with a shift differential, Michael is building the stability he once only hoped for. “I just really want to make a decent living and save for retirement,” he said. “Obviously I’d like to move up in the future…I’m being very patient.”
For Michael, JARC RI was more than just a training program; it was a turning point. “JARC led me to a career that I probably wouldn’t have been in if I didn’t attend them.” When asked what he’d say to someone considering the program, his advice is heartfelt: “Give it a chance and not let the work in the beginning discourage you or overwhelm you. I didn’t think I’d be able to do it at first, and then by the end of it, I was like, Oh wow. That wasn’t as bad as I thought.”
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