Viginus Nwokonkwo enrolled in the Workforce and Education Readiness Continuum (or WERC) seeking employment assistance. However, soon after enrolling, Viginus had to return home to Nigeria to tend to a death in the family. In June of 2014, upon return to the United States, Viginus began training for a Commercial Driver’s License.
During training, he was sleeping on a friend’s couch and experiencing car troubles. Determined to complete his training, however, Viginus borrowed a friend’s car and made the long commute. Unfortunately, his challenges did not end with transportation. Viginus was also dealing with custody issues for his daughter while in training.
Rather than be swayed or defeated by these challenges, Viginus was driven. He was determined to get back on his feet. Viginus graduated from Austin Community College’s CDL program and found full-time employment with Gemini, a trucking company that transports crude oil throughout the United States.
He is no longer dependent on friends for a place to live or a car to use and is establishing a better life for himself and his daughter.
Viginus also remains grateful for the assistance and support he received from Workforce Solutions and the WERC program. He is always willing to help current WERC clients who have any questions about CDL or are interested in working for Gemini.
About WERC
The Workforce and Education Readiness Continuum (WERC) provides client services ranging from Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English as a Second Language (ESL) to job readiness instruction and occupational training with the goal of empowering clients with the skills they need to advance their employment opportunities and realize their economic potential. For more information program specifics and eligibility requirements, please visit www.wercaustin.com
