ECWDB Success Stories

Tristin's Journey of Grit and Success

Tristin : NextGEN Success Story

Tristin shows what can happen when hard work meets the right support. His journey began with a clear goal: to build a career in shipping and receiving. With the support of his NCWorks/NextGEN career advisor, Crystal Lawrence, and the dedicated team at Craven Community College.   Tristin took his first major step by earning his High School Equivalency in 2025. That achievement not only marked the completion of a personal milestone, it opened the door to new possibilities and a brighter future.

Determined to keep moving forward, Tristin enrolled in forklift training  at Craven Community College to expand his skill set and increase his employability. Through hard work and focus, he earned certifications to operate five different types of lifts, including sit-down and stand-up forklifts, reach trucks, and pallet jacks. These credentials gave him a competitive edge and demonstrated his commitment to safety, precision, and professional growth.

Tristin’s dedication soon led to an exciting opportunity: a Work Experience placement with Chatsworth Products Inc. (CPI), a leading computer cabinet manufacturer based in New Bern, NC. In his new role as Receiving Coordinator, Tristin is gained  valuable hands-on experience in inventory management, shipment tracking, and warehouse operations. He worked alongside seasoned professionals, learning the ins and outs of the industry, and building the foundation for a long-term career in logistics.

Big news for Tristin! CPI was so impressed with his performance that they offered him a full-time position as a Shipping Coordinator 1. His success is a shining example of what happens when determination meets the right support from NCWorks/NextGEN and Craven Community College. Tristin set a goal and followed through with grit; we can’t wait to see how far he goes. The future is wide open….congratulations, Tristin!

Trashawnia's Journey to become a Certified Nursing Assistant

Trashawnia : NextGEN Success Story

Trashawnia joined the NextGEN program in June 2025, motivated to take meaningful steps toward building a stable and rewarding career. At just 19 years old, she was determined to create a strong foundation for her future and pursue work that aligned with her passion for helping others.

With a clear interest in healthcare, Trashawnia decided to work toward earning her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential.  She enrolled in the CNA I program at Craven Community College, where she committed herself to the coursework, hands on training, and the demanding preparation required for success. Although the program was challenging at times, she stayed focused and pushed through with strong encouragement from her career advisor, Crystal Lawrence, who consistently reminded her to hang in there and believe in herself.

Over the next several months, Trashawnia’s dedication never wavered. Her hard work paid off in December 2025 when she completed her CNA I training, passed the State Exam, and earned her place on the North Carolina Nurse Aide I Registry. This accomplishment represents a major milestone in her professional journey and highlights the perseverance she brought to each step.

Today, Trashawnia proudly holds her CNA I credential and has secured a position at a local nursing home. Her journey is a powerful example of how determination, support, and opportunity can come together to create real change. This achievement marks only the beginning of a bright and promising future.

Carteret County WIOA Success Story

Nikki : Carteret Community College Human Services Technology Program

Nikki’s early life was marked by turmoil and loss. Growing up in a home with alcohol addiction, she witnessed the struggles that shaped her understanding of family and stability. At just 19 years old, Nikki faced a devastating blow when her mother passed away.

For seven years, Nikki battled active addiction, a struggle that led to multiple arrests and a life that felt increasingly out of control. Although she completed two years of treatment, she found herself returning to substance use, grappling with the relentless pull of her addiction.

In 2024, Nikki made the life-changing decision to try again, this time entering Hope Recovery Homes. With a renewed determination and a deep desire to break free from her past, Nikki embraced the program wholeheartedly. In December 2024, Nikki graduated from the program, a significant milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter.

During her time at Hope Recovery Homes, Nikki completed Peer Support Training and worked as a Peer Support Specialist and Women’s House Manager, using her personal experiences to inspire and guide others on their journey to recovery.

Nikki’s commitment to personal growth didn’t stop there. In October 2024, she enrolled in the Human Services Technology Program at Carteret Community College. Nikki has a 3.7 GPA and is about to enter her third semester in the program. With support from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Reentry programs, this opportunity is enabling Nikki to pursue her dream of furthering her education to build a career dedicated to helping others.

Today, Nikki is passionate about using her education and lived experiences to be a beacon of hope for individuals struggling with substance use disorders and mental health challenges. She aspires to be a role model, showing others that recovery is possible and that it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

Sunae's Journey to a Career as a Certified Pharmacy Technician

Sunae : WIOA Success Story

Sunae always knew she wanted to create a better future for herself and, most importantly, for her children. From the beginning, she was determined to lead by example and show them the value of education, hard work, and perseverance. She enrolled in full-time college courses with the goal of earning a degree, but balancing school, work, and raising three young children quickly became overwhelming.

She realized that trying to manage everything at once was not sustainable. What she needed was a smarter, more flexible approach. That is when Sunae discovered a short-term Pharmacy Technician training program through Carteret Community College. She met with WIOA Career Advisors at the Big Rock NCWorks Career Center in Morehead City, who helped her get started on a more practical path.

The training was offered entirely online, which allowed Sunae to complete her coursework without being away from her children. She was able to study from home, and work around her family’s schedule, and still be present for the moments that mattered most.

Sunae committed fully to the program and, after completing the coursework, successfully passed the Certified Pharmacy Technician Exam. She is now a nationally certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), a credential that has expanded her job opportunities and increased her earning potential

Soon after earning her certification, she accepted a full-time position at Walmart Pharmacy. She now earns a competitive wage, receives benefits, and works in a professional and stable environment.

Today, Sunae is thriving both financially and personally. She is proud of the career she has built and even more proud to be a role model for her children. Her journey has shown them that with dedication, adaptability, and support, it is possible to overcome obstacles and reach your goals.

Jarrod’s Journey to a New Career in Healthcare

Jarrod Schlaefer : WIOA SUCCESS STORY in Carteret County

Jarrod, a proud Marine veteran, had always dreamed of transitioning into the healthcare field after his military service. After leaving the Marines, Jarrod settled in North Carolina with his wife and newborn baby girl, determined to build a bright future for his family. With a passion for helping others, he knew that a career in health sciences was the right path for him.

In pursuit of his dream, Jarrod enrolled at Carteret Community College, where he diligently completed his prerequisites for nursing. In 2022, his hard work paid off when he was selected for the highly competitive CCC Nursing Program. This was a pivotal moment in his journey.

During his time in the program, Jarrod met with the WIOA Career Advisors at the NCWorks Career Center. Through the WIOA (Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act) Program, he was able to receive mileage reimbursement assistance for his clinical rotations at regional medical sites. This support helped ease the burden of travel costs, allowing him to focus on his studies and clinical training.

Known for his strong work ethic, dedication, and integrity, Jarrod excelled in the CCC Nursing Program. His instructors and peers commended him for his commitment to his education and his patients.

In May 2024, Jarrod proudly graduated, fulfilling his goal of becoming a registered nurse. Shortly after graduation, he accepted a position at Carteret Health Care, where he now works as a Nurse, providing compassionate care to his community.

Jarrod is not only building a successful career but also making a lasting impact on the lives of those he serves.

Brian’s Journey to a New Career in Welding

Brian Dashner : Carteret County WIOA Success Story

Brian, a dedicated Marine Corps veteran, moved to the area after his military service, bringing with him his strong work ethic and determination. While he found success in several physically demanding jobs, the wages were not enough to support his growing family of four. Despite the financial challenges, Brian’s family remained his biggest supporters, constantly encouraging him to find a path that would provide him with job satisfaction and a better future. 

In the Fall of 2023, Brian made the decision to pursue a new career by enrolling in the Welding program at Carteret Community College. He knew this was a field where his hands-on skills would shine and offer him the opportunity to earn a sustainable wage.

Not long after he began, Brian connected with the NCWorks Career Center and learned about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Program. With the support of WIOA, Brian received assistance for his tuition, tools, and books—helping ease the financial strain and allowing him to focus fully on his studies.

With the tools and resources he needed, Brian truly began to excel. His dedication and hard work were evident in his progress, and his instructors noticed his natural leadership abilities. Brian also became a mentor to younger students in the welding program, sharing his experience, offering guidance, and helping them navigate the challenges of the course. His willingness to help others made a lasting impact on the classroom environment.

Thanks to his resilience and the support of his family and the WIOA Program, Brian completed the Welding course in August 2024. He is on track to enter a field that not only pays a sustainable wage but also gives him a fulfilling career. His story is a testament to his hard work, commitment, and the power of a strong support system—both at home and in the classroom.