Jeremy had worked for many years in the hospitality industry, but when COVID hit and the corporate travel business dried up, he was let go from his hotel job in December of 2020. He had grown accustomed to making a good living with his previous employer and he was feeling a bit depressed and scared at the idea of starting over in a new career. After he filed for Unemployment Insurance, he learned about of the Highway Heavy Construction Training & Placement (HHCTP) Program from DEED’s Sylvia Garcia and thought it could be a good fit for him.
“It felt like it was meant to be. I was blown away with everything the program provided and the attention and care I received. I love this opportunity that I got," said Jeremy. "They set you up with every tool imaginable that you’d need for the class and for afterwards in your new career.”
After enrolling in the five-week program, he found work as a concrete finisher with the City of Minneapolis and received a lot of experience his first season working on curbs, gutters, driveways and sidewalks all throughout the city. This new career path proved be such a great fit for Jeremy that he found himself having fun at work again.
“It was a great experience with the networking that you get to do and the people you get to meet and the doors that were opened that you’d never thought you could open was all phenomenal," remarked Jeremy. "As the oldest guy in the class, I realized if I could do this, anybody can do this. I’m super thankful for the opportunity. The program was life-changing for me.”
