Graduates encouraged to continue moving forward (Times-Mail)

By Krystal Shetler Times-Mail

BEDFORD — Scattered around the room wearing black graduation caps and gowns, the excitement was evident among the men and women who comprised the third and largest cohort of the Lawrence County Introduction to Local Jobs and Skills course.

“This is nothing but awesome,” said Jason Milka, one of the course participants.

“It was great,” said Donovan Ruff, another participant.

 “I really enjoyed it,” Andrew Burris said.

As Tyler Hamm followed the reporter out of the room, eager to discuss the program, his sincerity was evident. He didn’t believe he had any opportunities until he was placed in the class and allowed to learn about construction, welding and computer machining. The class, he said, has changed his entire outlook on life and what’s possible.

“The class was awesome, the teachers were amazing, and the connection to my peers in the class was great,” Hamm said. “Getting this hands-on training was something I never thought I could ever get. There were no opportunities for me. ... I just want to thank the teachers for giving me these opportunities, for allowing me to take these classes and broaden my skillsets.”

Hamm, like many of his classmates, is already taking the next step. With the skills he learned in the class, he’s turned in an application at a Bloomington machining firm.
“I don’t know what I would’ve done without it,” he said.

Those next steps are the focus of the job skills class. For three weeks, participants dive into various components of the local job market. In addition to exploring construction, machining and welding, they learn about building resumes, acting appropriately in the workplace and the opportunities that exist for them beyond their moments at the North Lawrence Career Center.

It was a message Jessica Terrell, who graduated from the second job skills class earlier this fall, couldn’t wait to relay to her fellow graduates during Monday’s ceremony at StoneGate Arts & Education Center in downtown Bedford. Terrell, who got a job immediately after graduating from the course, is a huge proponent of the opportunity the class provides. Not only did she speak at the ceremony, but she visited and talked to the participants during their three-week stint at the career center, encouraging them to reach for the stars.

As she spoke to the graduates, she explained she was 10 days out of prison when she joined the class. That was four months ago.

“It completely set the pace for me to change my life,” she told the participants. “Everybody deserves a second chance. ... The idea that the community came together to support someone like myself who just needs a chance is amazing. ... If it weren’t for this program, I don’t know where I’d be. It gave me the confidence and self-worth I haven’t had in years.”

She told them not to stop with the skills course, but to keep working for new and better opportunities.

“There is so much out there,” Terrell said. “It is possible. I know that now. I’m not where I want to be, but I’ve got a good start. ... Remember, our success here is going to be the motivation for all the others to try.”

And the effort is worth it, Lawrence Superior Court I Judge John Plummer III told the recent graduates.

“Any work is honorable,” Plummer said. “This is a life-changing event for you. I really hope and pray you take advantage of it. ... Whatever you decide to do, do it well. ... Work hard, blaze your own trail and be your best self, always.”

Lawrence County Prosecutor Sam Arp explained to the participants that changing their lives helps change the trajectory of the generations of people who follow.
“Don’t let this be the most successful thing you do in your life,” Arp said. “Make sure this is the starting point, not the end.”

So far, the program has successfully graduated 28 participants. Sponsored by the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council and its workforce coalition, the effort is unique in the state of Indiana. From this class, four of the participants are now signed up to obtain their high school equivalency, two have applied to the Indiana Laborers’ Training Institute, one is heading for post-secondary education through the Next Level Jobs program, four have applied for better jobs, two students are working to get their drivers’ licenses back, and one student is working with the Small Business Development Center on his idea to start a small business.

“This program honestly introduced me to a lot of different opportunities I wouldn’t have known about had I not taken the class,” Burris said. “The teachers go above and beyond to get you to the next step. I’d definitely recommend this opportunity to anyone wanting to better themselves.”