MOVING ON UP IN OKANOGAN
After years of working minimum wage jobs, Cody Howard knew something had to change. Despite earning his high school diploma through Wenatchee Valley College’s 21+ program in 2017, he found himself stuck in positions that barely covered his family’s basic needs. As a security guard at 12 Tribes Casino making $17.00 per hour, Cody struggled to support his girlfriend and their two young daughters. The lack of advanced education or specialized training meant his options for better-paying jobs were severely limited.
That’s when Cody was introduced to the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and career services available through his local WorkSource center in Omak. He saw commercial driving as his ticket to a more stable future, but the training costs stood as a major barrier. Through WIOA’s Local Adult program, Cody qualified for financial assistance that made CDL training at Aces and Eights possible – an opportunity that would have remained out of reach without the program’s support.
While juggling family responsibilities and his full-time security job, Cody threw himself into his CDL training in September 2024. His determination paid off when he completed the program in November. The investment in his education quickly proved its worth: within weeks, Odom Corporation hired him as a commercial driver at $23.00 per hour – a 35% increase from his previous wage.
For Cody and his family, this $6-per-hour raise means an additional $12,480 in annual income, transforming their financial stability. His story shows how targeted workforce development funding can break the cycle of low-wage employment, creating lasting positive change for entire families. Congratulations on your success, Cody!
