DOING THE WORK
Pat Armstrong Ford in East Wenatchee has a promise to their customers: “We made your Ford the superior vehicle it is today and we want to ensure it remains that way. Pat Armstrong Ford technicians are highly trained and certified to perform whatever work you may need on your vehicle.” In order to uphold that promise, Pat Armstrong Ford looks for the best candidates to join their team, often upon referral from the award-winning Automotive Technology Program at Wenatchee Valley College.
James Moore served three years in prison and was released in 2019. He was motivated to find a better life path, which included working toward a successful career to help him be the dad he was determined to be for his young daughter. He took the initiative and reached out to Washington State DSHS to help put food on the table, and to Wenatchee Valley College to enroll in their Automotive Technology Program. The college referred James to SkillSource for additional assistance with tuition and other expenses. He was eligible for financial incentives through the State Economic Security for All (EcSA) program, which helped cover basic expenses so that he could work toward completing his education at the college.
James’ motivation and dedication have been persistent, and his efforts have not gone unnoticed. In fact, his Auto Tech instructor at WVC was so impressed by James, that he provided a strong reference to Pat Armstrong Ford, who then hired him based on his instructor’s recommendation even before completing his degree. James is currently a proud member of the team at Pat Armstrong Ford, where he is employed as a mobile mechanic technician. If you have a Ford in need of general maintenance, James will come to you with their new Ford Mobile Service!
James is currently enrolled in Occupational Skills Training with SkillSource and is close to completing his Associate of Technical Science Degree in Automotive Technology at WVC, where he has a cumulative 3.690 GPA. He will graduate with his degree in the fall of 2024 and plans to continue working for Pat Armstrong Ford with his new skills and certification. And he has his eye on the future for other opportunities, including continuing his education and training to be a lineman for Chelan County PUD. “James is very enthusiastic and willing to tackle any task he is assigned. He is punctual, always on time and ready to work. He is dedicated to continual progress both personal and professional to advance in his career,” Charley Wyatt, Service Manager, Pat Armstrong Ford.
James has been happy to share his story with others. He volunteered to share his journey at the Workforce Collaboration Summit last May, speaking on a panel to a large group of community partners and service providers, and again at the Chamber Business After Hours event at SkillSource in August, which he attended with his wife whom he married in July. We are grateful to James for his willingness to share his story, which helps motivate and inspire others on their own journeys. And thank you to Pat Armstrong Ford for bringing James onto your highly trained, successful team. Teamwork, as they say, makes the dream work!
