Success Stories

Skillsource has two customers -- businesses and workers. Delivering training that satisfies both is no walk in the park. These stories tell about exceptional organizations and employees. Each individual overcame extraordinary circumstances to become a valued employee. Each company took a leadership role, in some cases providing the primary source of training. In all cases, they know that a qualified workforce is no accident.

These businesses know that getting involved now will pay off in the future. They are involved at the ground floor seeing to it that people learn the job "right" and that businesses will have a fresh supply of new and replacement workers. They know that more employed workers in the area means a stronger economy.

"My New Year's resolution this year was full of education and job experience dreams. If not for Skillsource, I would have never been able to reach my goals. The motivation it gave me has helped me gain self esteem, new respect from my kids, and a whole new outlook on life. Thank you."

Estela Arias
Eligibility Clerk

"Estela has learned very quickly. Everyone deserves a chance to better themselves and Skillsource provides an excellent opportunity for people to do that. They provide follow-up support and I like that."

Ninfa Hilmes, Supervisor
Columbia Basin Health Association

Estela Arias and her four children were dependent on a welfare system that was rapidly changing. Estela was referred to Skillsource by DSHS in order to learn the skills employers wanted.

Estela was interested in the medical field, but lacked the math and English skills to qualify for jobs in the field. Training consultant Suzanne Palmiero assessed Estela's skills and interests, and together they developed a training plan. Estela enrolled at the Othello Learning Center and attended weekly support groups for direction and motivation.

Columbia Basin Health Association is a busy medical clinic which serves hundreds of patients each month. Palmiero arranged an internship for Estela in order to help her gain job experience. She performed necessary general office tasks while Skillsource paid her wages, and everyone benefitted. Estela worked at her internship during the day and attended classes at night. She attained her GED in April of 1999. Computer classes at the Downtown Learning Center in Moses Lake gave Estela marketable skills.

When the clinic needed a receptionist, Estela fit their needs. At her 90-day review, Estela received a wage increase. She recently progressed to a position as an eligibility clerk. "Estela has learned very quickly that a multi talented person is a greater asset to an employer," says her supervisor Ninfa Hilmes.

Estela says, "If not for Skillsource, I would have never been able to reach my goals. The motivation it gave me has helped me gain self esteem, new respect from my kids, and a whole new outlook on life." Her next goal is to become a certified interpreter.

Following a string of low skilled jobs that seemed to vanish with the seasons, Scott Gregg had once again been laid off. In order to find a stable job to support his family, Scott needed to develop the skills employers wanted. He contacted the Okanogan County Job Service.

Counselor Ken Kelnhofer assessed Scott's aptitudes and interests. Scott researched the labor market before deciding on training. Although it was a long shot for a laborer to become a computer professional in one short year, he was determined to succeed. In 1998, with scholarships from Skillsource and Employment Security, he enrolled in the Computer Network Specialist program at Wenatchee Valley College North.

Kelnhofer encouraged Scott to seek an internship to demonstrate his new skills. Scott proved himself to Larry Hall, manager of Colville Confederated Tribes' Microcomputer department. After he passed his MCSE Certification tests, Scott was hired as a computer network technician, earning more than $30,000 per year. "Scott is a conscientious, dedicated and intelligent computer network technician," says Larry Hall.

No longer a temporary worker, Scott is now a certified computer professional. "My life is forever improved because of the training I received. It's only going to get better, more interesting, and more lucrative for years to come."

Katherine Kahn came to Skillsource to improve her job skills. She and her husband wanted a better life for their young family, without depending on state assistance. Training consultant Donita Bernstein guided Katherine to research the labor market, and they developed a training plan.

Katherine enrolled in the Computer Applications Specialist program at Wenatchee Valley College. She also attended computer classes at the Downtown Learning Center. For four years, Katherine balanced roles as student, wife and mother, in addition to having two more babies. In June 1998, she graduated from WVC with two Associate degrees.

Donita referred Katherine the ESD. They agreed to hire and train Katherine as a technical projects assistant. "Katherine continues to make giant steps forward in her professional growth and development. In a very short period of time, she has moved several career steps," says Sharratt.

Katherine now manages websites for the ESD and other community projects. She also provides technical assistance to ESD staff. Now able to contribute to a better life for her family, she says, "I have an incredible position with the ESD. I continue to learn and grow with the exciting challenges in my career."