Ashley reports that AIOIC’s staff were incredibly supportive. Throughout training, our program coordinator, José Santos Jr., made a significant impact on Ashley. His passion for the craft, combined with his ability to connect students with great teachers for each machine and safety topic, made the learning process more engaging even during the more challenging lessons. Ashley also took part in our Workforce Innovations for Natives program and her career counselor, Delema Dionne, was crucial in guiding Ashley through the job opportunities available to her; helping her understand the wraparound services our agency provides, and the qualifications and skills that should be featured on Ashley’s resumé.

Ashley had heard about a position from coworkers at a previous job, but she hadn’t given it much thought until after completing training at the Takoda Institute. Upon researching the opportunity, she discovered a job posting for operators in the field. She applied, making sure to highlight all the new skills she had gained, and hoped for the best. A month later, Ashley was contacted for the next stage of the hiring process and after a few more months of navigating hiring, Ashley was offered a full-time position.

This new job has completely changed Ashley’s life. She is now financially stable, has paid off debts, and has money in her savings account. She was able to move into her own apartment and, most importantly, she is happy. She no longer dreads waking up for work, she loves the job she has and looks forward to it every day.

Looking to the future, Ashley has new career aspirations. She plans to pursue a Class A Commercial Driver’s License; a semi-truck license- a long-time personal goal.

For anyone considering enrolling in American Indian OIC’s programs, Ashley has a simple piece of advice: Sign up for the course that interests you but be ready to put in the work. You’ll only get as much out of it as you put in. Show up for the classes, be on time, pay attention, and retain what’s being taught. This opportunity is for you, so you need to show up for yourself. Sacrificing a few weeks to gain new skills could be the key to changing your life.

Thanks to the training and support she received at American Indian OIC, Ashley earned her Boom Lift certificate, which helped her secure her current role. She started the program in October 2023, completed it in just six weeks, and by February 2024, she was hired full-time. It’s been a life-changing year for Ashley, and she is incredibly grateful for the skills, knowledge, and guidance that our organization provided along the way. Congratulations, Ashley!