James Poissot is no stranger to hard work and unfortunately harder times. Following high school, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. After serving 9 years, including 4 tours in Afghanistan and 5 tours in Iraq, James exited the military and returned to the civilian workforce in the midst of the Great Recession.
Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, James traveled around the U.S., unsure of where he could plant roots. SXSW might have brought James to Austin but the people he met kept him here.
“Never had anybody anywhere shown that much concern for me,” says James. “Every other place in the country treats their veterans poorly. They just offer words, no help.”
While he may have found the city he wanted to call home, James still had one significant hurdle to overcome. Despite having acquired some very specific skills in the military, including working as an auto mechanic, James struggled to find gainful employment. This lack of steady employment unfortunately led James to become homeless for several years.
Challenges and hurdles aside, James refused to give up hope, applying for jobs regularly.
“It felt like I’d put in 1,000 jobs a day,” says James.
One day, James met a service manager with a local transmission shop. He explained that despite his current homeless status, he had prior experience working on manual and automatic transmissions in the military. By owning his valuable skills and taking the risk to outreach, James found an employer willing to work with him. The only thing he had left to do was to get the tools. That need and a recommendation led James to Workforce Solutions.
As a part of the WIA program with Workforce Solutions, James was able to acquire the necessary tools to perform the job duties as a transmission mechanic. He also worked with representatives from the Texas Veterans Commission stationed within the local Workforce Solutions Career Center.
James says, “People really are appreciative of our defense of their freedom. If [a veteran] wants better, they can find better with Workforce.”
James is now fully employed and saving up to put a deposit down on an apartment. With a little help, this veteran finally has his life back on track.
About the WIA Program
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program is a no-cost employment program designed to give job seekers the support and/or skills training they need to find a job. Specifically, WIA can provide:
- Job search assistance
- Child care assistance while in training
- Transportation assistance
- Interview clothing and uniforms
- Tools needed for your new job
- Funding for basic skills and occupational training
For more information about the program and eligibility, please visit www.wfscapitalarea.com.
