NEWS & EVENTS

(Northwest Indiana) After having worked for Ashland Hardware Systems for 17 years, Debra Courtright lost her job.  The company had made the decision to relocate in Monterrey, Mexico, leaving the 52 year old, hardworking woman without anywhere to turn. She immediately decided to seek assistance at the Morocco WorkOne, and took advantage of every single free class they offered.  During this time, ...   Read More »

(Northwest Indiana) After having worked for Ashland Hardware Systems for 17 years, Debra Courtright lost her job.  The company had made the decision to relocate in Monterrey, Mexico, leaving the 52 year old, hardworking woman without anywhere to turn. She immediately decided to seek assistance at the Morocco WorkOne, and took advantage of every single free class they offered.  During this time, she was also applying for many jobs, working side by side with a very diligent Career Advisor, with whom Debra really connected with. “She didn’t let the grass grow under my feet, that’s for sure.”

Although looking to take a more clerical path, an opportunity arose with WorkOne in coordination with Ivy Tech that would offer Debra the opportunity to take classes towards a Certified Production Technician (CPT) certification. WorkOne paid for her tuition, and in wrapping up the 12 week course, she attended an employer open house, where she met her future employer.  “My savings were dwindling, the class really helped me stay motivated and get on track,” said Courtright.

While speaking with the Vice President of Vector Packaging of Kentland at the open house, Debra said that while the CPT classes provided her with invaluable skills and information, she felt that she had gained the confidence needed to express herself professionally with an employer. As a result of her confidence during the exchange with the VP, she received an interview, and was hired at Vector shortly after. She is thrilled to be using her new skills, while also building and developing in her career.  Although not her originally intended path, Debra could not be more grateful for the opportunity WorkOne provided her, and for the chance she was given to uncover the passion for a career path she never knew existed.

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For further information regarding this story, contact Robyn Minton, Vice President-WorkOne Operations at the Center of Workforce Innovations at 219-462-2940, ext. 24.