PREPARATION MEETS OPPORTUNITY
A good job does far more than pay fair wages. A good job offers someone the chance to contribute in a meaningful way to work that needs to get done. That meaningful contribution boosts personal morale and cultivates strong relationships among team members. Josh Knopp, a manager at Central Machinery Sales in Moses Lake, knows that a quality employee is equal parts personality, and preparation. So when SkillSource reached out to see if he’d be willing to bring on a young person for work experience at the shop, Josh knew it was an ideal opportunity to prepare a potential quality employee for the future.
Danny Thurman enrolled in Pre-Employment Transition Services (PreETS) in the summer of 2021. PreETS is a program through a partnership with SkillSource, local schools, DVR (DSHS Division of Vocational Rehabilitation), and area businesses that offers youth with disabilities the chance to explore the world of work. Danny participated in work readiness workshops and went on job tours, and in the summer of 2023, he had an informal interview with Central Machinery Sales. To anyone that has met Danny it will come as no surprise that he made a fantastic impression in his interview. Danny was then offered a contract for a paid work experience at the shop in July 2023.
Danny was ready. He fit right in at Central Machinery Sales, leaning into whatever task was set before him, and at the end of his work experience, Josh commented that he would love to hire Danny as a permanent employee once he had completed high school.
Fast forward to the summer of 2024 and Danny was again brought on for a paid work experience with Central Machinery Sales. And now, true to his word, his supervisor, Josh, hired Danny as an official team member and said, “We will have Danny for as long as he is willing to work for us.”
Danny loves his job. He shows up on time each day, ready to throw himself into every task, from keeping the shop tidy to hosing down tractors. And he loves that he gets to work outside a lot! When asked if he thinks his opinion will change as the weather gets colder he said, “Well, I have a warm beanie at home. And I’ll wear gloves.” He’s prepared for anything!
A huge congratulations to Danny, his supervisors, and his co-workers at Central Machinery Sales. And thank you to Danny and Josh for sharing their experience at a recent committee meeting with SkillSource staff and board members! The gift of good work is invaluable to all of us.
