Success — Lives Transformed

CET Training was a step in the positive direction! Jose Reyes Clara, Oakland

Jose is a focused and driven individual, who came to the United States for better working opportunities. When asked about CET, Jose was excited to share his story, "CET helped me develop skills that are in high demand in the Oakland area. In addition to learning valuable skills, I also learned English through the VESL programs that are held on site, and earned my GED through the preparation at the center. These particular skills gave me the confidence during the job interviewing process….. I can take these skills with me anywhere in this country…."

Jose was born in Puebla, Mexico in 1983, one of seven children, into a lower middle-class working family. “Both of my parents worked. I had a stable childhood – I cared for a herd of goats while my father worked as a laborer for a local quarry that needed him only on a temporary basis. My mother worked as a housewife to care for my other brothers and sisters.”

During his school years, Jose demonstrated above average grades, but had to quit his formal studies due to hardships at home. When Jose turned 17 years old – he felt that there was little hope for a future in Mexico. So in 2000, he came to the United States and found a job in the landscaping business. Unfortunately, after only a short time on the job, he was injured at work. After his recovery, he decided to seek a skill that would bring job satisfaction that he so desperately wanted and deserved. Attending CET training was the first step in this new, positive direction.

Jose enrolled in Shipping, Receiving and Warehouse Operations, and immediately found that he excelled in this trade, and more importantly, enjoyed the work! Upon graduation, Jose was placed at Gardco Lighting. "My parents instilled a good work ethic in all of us, so my need to excel in my life was critical to my future. My CET instructor understood my drive, and also provided me with the best possible training for the job I currently have in Manufacturing Support," explained Jose.

Jose is currently working as a Production and Stockroom Lead for Gardco and has also joined the Union. He recently was named "Employee of the Month". “Without the direction that CET provided, I would probably not be in a position to show my true capabilities – CET Changed my life by providing me skills that gave me working opportunities!”

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