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While Daniel was employed as a warehouse worker, he dreamed of a higher income by engaging his skillset. Daniel reached out to the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Elizabeth in January 2018 for assistance in employment services to realize this dream. Shirley Simone, Daniel’s assigned employment specialist, conducted a standard employment assessment to learn about Daniel’s employment background, his skills, and his career path from Haiti, his country of origin. In Haiti, Daniel had worked as a construction supervisor for over a decade and had a strong background in technical building skills, including plumbing and carpentry.

Shirley Simone is skilled employment specialist at the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Elizabeth.

Photo: Kathryn Hoven

With guidance from Shirley, Daniel attended an informational session for the Plumbers Union Apprenticeship held by the Elizabeth Development Company. While the apprenticeship requires a long five year commitment and plenty of hardwork, Daniel was eager to meet this new challenge and enroll in the program, following an entrance exam. This program would ensure Daniel's development in his skillset and growth in income and benefits, crucial elements in economic empowerment and self-sufficiency in the U.S.

In June, Daniel visited Shirley in the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡â€™s Elizabeth office once more to share his good news. Daniel had passed the apprenticeship enrolment exam and was accepted into the Union Apprenticeship Program! This meant immediate growth in Daniel’s income with further development every year throughout his apprenticeship, in addition to medical benefits, a pension, education, and training benefits. Daniel’s new path to self-sufficiency and independence in America has made all the difference, and he is excited for this new chapter for himself and his family through the help of the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ in Elizabeth. Best of luck to Daniel and his new career!

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