Category: Success Stories

As a recent immigrant from Haiti, my first priority was to find a job as soon as possible. One of my friends recommended Puget Sound Training Center, so I went there and was enrolled for their services. They provided me with Forklift, computer and interviewing techniques training. My resume was updated by their staff, so that I could start applying for local jobs.

I applied at several local warehouses and stores, but the one that called me for interview was SEARS at Southcenter Mall. I was hired as a Receiving Associate. I am still employed there and love what I do. I have made many great friends and gained new skills that I could apply in future employment opportunities.

Puget Sound Training Center helped me find my second job as a Night Time Janitor with KBM Solutions. I now work two jobs, and the salary from these two jobs has allowed me to send some money to my family in Haiti, and also allowed me to purchase my first car.

If it wasn’t for the services and career coaching provided by Puget Sound Training Center, I would probably still be looking for employment. It can be very difficult and frustrating for new immigrants to find a job in America. The application process and job posting system is very different from what we are used to in Haiti.

Thank you so much Puget Sound Training Center for improving my life. I am now able to help out my family, attend college and continue to pursue my dreams.

Concerned about the future and education of her children and fear for the safety of her family, Reyna decided to leave Guatemala in 2014 and seek asylum in the United States. She left with nothing but a few pieces of clothing and little cash, but with a heart filled with hope to fulfill her dream, to find a safe place to call home. Reyna and her three children could no longer feel protected, so they embarked on a journey full of perils, but always hopeful to reach the U.S. and join her niece in Washington State.

When she arrived in Seattle, she was assisted by DSHS and referred to Puget Sound Training Center (PSTC), a community-based organization that helps limited English immigrants and refugees find employment and job training opportunities. On her first visit to PSTC, she demonstrated once again her courage and determination to get her first job, while trying to navigate a new country, culture and language. She was willing and eager to learn. A few months later, she started her first job at a hotel in downtown Seattle, which gave her experience and self-confidence. From there, she moved on to a forklift operator position with a local food manufacturer where she worked for almost two years but had to leave due to personal reasons.

Determined not to give up and with more experience and skills, she returned to PSTC in late 2018. On this occasion, Reyna knew what she wanted and quickly enrolled and completed the Forklift training certification program offered at PSTC. She is so proud of her achievement, as access to education for those with limited English is difficult to find, and back in her native country is a need that goes unfulfilled. PSTC case managers developed a partnership relationship with WorkSource liaison, Julie Shor, who helps agency like PSTC connect with hiring employers. Julie introduced us to a wonderful local employer in Burien, Eat Local, who at the time had a need to hire a couple of full-time employees, which PSTC was able to help with.

On June 11, 2019 PSTC staff had the fortune to visit Reyna at Eat Local. She feels so proud of her work and lucky to be working for an employer that values her contributions. Reyna has been working for Eat Local for more than 8 months now and feels so happy to work alongside her manager, Rachel Schilperoort, who during the visit told the team at PSTC how impress she is with Reyna’s performance. She believes that is important to listen to each employee and be willing to adapt and be flexible as conflicts arise.

Reyna feels fortunate to have the job she dreamed of.

“Here they accept me as I am, they understand my needs and that I am still learning English.”

Reyna feels that her life has changed for the better, because she now gets to spend more time with her children in the afternoons and they are able to enjoy their weekends together. She gets to watch her children’s progress at school and her income allows her to meet all their needs. Reyna knows that her hard work, courage, and determination has paid off.

I am deeply grateful for the services and unconditional assistance that Puget Sound Training Center gave to me. With their help I have been able to find resources that I did not know were there for me and their instructors provided me with the training and skills I needed when I was looking for a job. I learned new job search techniques, helped me create a resume and cover letter and most important, they showed me that opportunities are out there, and that is only a matter of looking for them.

Thanks to Puget Sound Training Center, I am now enrolled in a micro-enterprise program with Express Advantage. They believed in my dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur in America. My goal is to open my own Kenyan import store and sell products of my home country. Every day I get closer and closer to my dream.

After I was laid off, I began to look for work. After several months of searching, I realized I needed help. A friend of mine recommended Puget Sound Training Center; he took computer classes at PSTC and they helped him find a job. I enrolled with PSTC for Customer Accounts and Computer Training where I learned how to look for work on the internet and send my resume to hiring companies. I also learned how to use Microsoft Office programs. PSTC case managers helped me with my job search and were always available for me when I needed an appointment or copies of my resume.

Today, I am employed with Neumier Engineering as a warehouse production and order generator where I use the computer skills I gained at PSTC on a daily basis. Training at Puget Sound Training Center made me feel confident so I can excel at my job.

My family and I came to the United States as refugees. My husband and I separated and I was left with 4 children to take care of. I was referred to Puget Sound Training Center when I applied for benefits through DSHS.

Puget Sound Training Center is a wonderful place. I was able to take a computer training course, and the staff there helped me look for and find a job, and it was free!

My case managers always had time for me. I was given a lot of helpful information and was referred to other providers or agencies when I needed help with childcare, or other legal issues while going through separation process with my husband.

After I completed a computer class it helped me to feel confident when I went to job interviews. I was afraid to go before because I did not know how to do an online application or survey, but after the class with PSTC I felt comfortable and confident. PSTC also helped me make a great resume. I don’t have a computer at home, but I was able to apply for work right there in the office. PSTC has a job search area with computers I could use to do everything online, and they helped me in the process.

Today I work for ABM Janitorial as a commercial janitor, I am very grateful to Puget Sound Training Center and all the staff there for helping me get this job and supporting me during the hard times. I don’t have to worry about who is going to support my kids anymore. I can do it all by myself, thank you PSTC