Workforce System Success Stories - Workforce Development and Adult Learning

Curtis has always been a family man, who worked for years as a professional musician to support his children, younger siblings, and aging parents. But at 42, Curtis’s entire role within his family shifted when his father passed away. He was now the head of his extended family. Despite his grief, Curtis realized he needed to transition to a different career with more stable work and hours to meet his new responsibilities. His exploration of career options led him to a workforce development program funded by the United States Department of Labor’s Support to Communities: Fostering Opioid Recovery through Workforce Solutions (S2C) grant program. The Baltimore City Mayor’s Office of Employment Development was implementing S2C grant activities in Curtis’s community, offering career services and training opportunities in manufacturing trades at the Jane Addams Resource Corporation (JARC). This was where Curtis took the first steps in his new career path.

With friends already working in the manufacturing trades, Curtis had some familiarity with the field, but the more he learned about machining and metalworking during his JARC training, the more passionate his interest became. Math had never been his strong suit, but that started changing too as he moved through JARC’s CNC program. Suddenly, this skilled musician found himself fascinated with design, technology and engineering.

“JARC was a steppingstone for me,” Curtis shared. “I’ve learned so much and perhaps most importantly what I have learned in my experience is that, no two things are the same in this world. From people to parts, we all move and function differently. I decided that after JARC I really loved programming, so I am currently pursuing my engineering degree while working as a music director at my church.”

The S2C training opportunity allowed Curtis to have the best of both worlds. He is continuing to pursue his passion for music, and simultaneously gaining valuable technical skills and working towards a degree in engineering that will qualify him for excellent employment opportunities. Curtis has become a life-long learner who welcomes growth. As far as he is concerned, the sky is the limit!