Success Stories

In today’s economy, many individuals face significant challenges when transitioning from one career to another, especially after experiencing job loss. I now have a success story about little ol' me, EricButler, who turned my childhood dream of operating a crane into reality. After being laid off from my previous job, I sought assistance from the Geaux Jobs local workforce office to explore new career opportunities.

During my search for new employment, I learned about the training programs available through Geaux Jobs. Geaux Jobs offers various courses aimed at equipping individuals with the skills necessary for construction-related jobs, including crane operation, welding, and many more. I recognized this as a viable path that could lead me to a better career faster.

I enrolled in a comprehensive course at AAA Crane School, where my instructor helped me tremendously. The program was designed to provide participants with both knowledge and practical experience in operating tower cranes. Over six weeks, I underwent intense training that included safety protocols, operational techniques, and hands-on practice in a controlled environment. By the end of the course, I successfully obtained three separate certifications in crane operation.

After completing my training and earning my certifications,I actively sought employment as a crane operator. With my newly acquired skills and qualifications recognized throughout the industry, I quickly attracted attention from potential employers. Within a short period, I traveled all over the country working as a crane operator, making over six figures. I have now secured a position on a construction site at home, where I can apply my skills effectively and be closer to my wife and kids.

My journey is an example of how individuals can use local workforce office resources to transition into fulfilling careers. I personally want to thank my instructors, Mr. Chris and Mrs. Mandy, for being patient with me while I got adjusted to being back in school after being out of school for so long. And to Mrs. Pamela Buron—you're awesome at your job! You made the process very easy for me. Today, I am not only a NCCOR-certified crane operator, but I also hope to inspire others to pursue their dreams regardless of their past experiences.

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Brady Montelaro is a 19-year-old youth who came to the Iberville/ West Baton Rouge Geaux Jobs Workforce Center with an interest in Information Technology (IT). Brady had limited skills and knowledge of computers. He was currently unemployed and wanted to enter a training program that would meet his needs in the world of IT and ultimately become employed. Although Brady faced some challenges during interviews and assessments, staff continued to support him in reaching the milestones needed to help him succeed. He had the desire and determination to pursue a career in IT no matter what challenges he had to endure.  Brady was enrolled in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program at ITI Technical College in BatonRouge. He completed the program and was hired as an Information Technician at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge. Brady is now self-sufficient and is extremely grateful to the Iberville/WestBaton Rouge Geaux Jobs Workforce Center staff for helping to make his dreams come true. Brady stated, that through this program opportunity, he was able to learn about his major and himself”. He would also love for more people to be made aware of the WIOA program because it helped him, and others can benefit from the WIOA program too.

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Jaylin Zeno has been a Work Experience participant at Livonia High School for the 2023-2024 school year.  She was selected as Livonia High School's Student of the Year 2023-2024 and graduated on the Principal's List as a 4.0 Scholar.  Jaylin received her FEMA certification and completed Financial Literacy training through Pelican State Credit Union, an Academic Letter Jacket, the American Legion's certificate and medal of distinguished achievement for courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and service and was the Outstanding English Student.  Her extracurricular activities included volleyball, Beta Club, FCA, and Southern University Talent Search.  Jaylin will attend Louisiana State University in the fall. Jaylin was awarded the following Scholarships: 

Xavier University-$10,000.00 

Pointe Coupee Trailblazer Scholarship-$2,000.00 

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Gamma Alpha Gamma Zeta  Chapter-$500.00 

As an In-School Youth, Jaylin gained skills that can help her in the future and prepare her for jobs in the real world.  She feels that she wouldn't have had this opportunity without Geaux Jobs. 

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Skylar Carr- Harmason is a 23-year-old single parent of a daughter. Skylar visited the Iberville/West Baton Rouge Geaux Jobs Workforce Center to advance his skills through a training program that would offer competitive employment upon completion. Skylar knew that obtaining these skills would allow him to provide a better life for himself and his daughter. He received his HiSet in May of 2022. At this time, he decided to pursue a career in truck driving. Skylar enrolled in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program at CDL Mentors of Baton Rouge. He completed the program and was hired as a truck driver with Swift Transportation. Skylar has maintained employment throughout the WIOA program’s one-year follow-up period and remains employed with the company today. In return for Skylar completing the program, he received a WIOA scholarship and youth incentive for his hard work and dedication. Skylar now has his own home and is providing for his daughter. Skylar states, “he is very grateful to the Geaux Jobs staff in the Iberville/WestBaton Rouge Office for their dedication and providing resources needed for him to be successful in affording a better lifestyle for his family”. The Iberville/WestBaton Rouge Geaux Jobs Workforce Center staff would like to let Skylar know that we are so proud of him, and he will continue to provide a better life for himself and his daughter because of his efforts and dedication!

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Weslee Bagley is a 17-year-old In-School Youth Work Experience student. During her tenure in the program, she spent her time acquiring office skills in the main office of her school. Weslee displayed great leadership skills by submitting all requested information in a timely manner and ensuring that others submitted information in a timely manner as well. She also assisted in our Annual Spring Career Fair with set-up, performing intake, and escorting groups of youth to vendor’s tables. Weslee Bagley has a 3.6 GPA, is in the 4-H, Beta Club, and is also a member of Talent Search. Weslee feels like she has developed strengths while working with the In School youth work experience program such as her improved communication skills, the usage of office equipment, and her interpersonal skills. Wesley desires to carry these skills into her future endeavors. After High School, Wesley plans on attending Louisiana State University where she would like to earn her Doctorate Degree in Dentistry. She plans on becoming a dental assistant to gain some experience while in school.We at Geaux are very proud of Weslee and we’re honored that she was a part of our work experience program. We know Weslee’s future is bright.

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Maya Holmes is a Work Experience Student in Washington Parish and student at Bogalusa High School.  She is a member of the Bogalusa Big Bad Marching Band.  As a member of the Bogalusa Big Bad Marching Band, Maya had the chance to march in several parades and events. Maya plans to enroll in Grambling State University where she will be a part of the Marching Band.  Maya has been awarded a scholarship to attend Grambling State University due to her efforts. She was awarded a $500 scholarship from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Tau Iota Omega Chapter. Maya is an amazing member of our work experience program, and we at Geaux Jobs Washington Parish are thrilled to have her. We are confident her future will be bright because of her diligence, devotion, and pursuit of excellence! 

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Jamya Williams participated in the In-School Youth Work Experience program through Geaux Jobs. She worked at Donaldsonville High School as an office assistant and while working she maintained a 3.0 GPA.Jamya received multiple awards such as a full-ride scholarship and to study abroad as a student with DEAN College in Franklin Massachusetts and Pell Grant. Jamya wants to pursue her bachelor’s degree at DEAN College studying Arts & Entertainment Management. She spent her senior year as a Cheerleader cheering for the DHS Tigers. She was voted by her peers “Most School Spirited", “Most Likely to Never Return to Louisiana Girl”, and “Friendliest Girl.”  Jamya says, “My plans after graduation are going to college and starting my own business to give back to my community and making a difference in the world so the world can remember me for a good reason.”Jamya mentioned she was appreciative of the WIOA In School Youth Work Experience program, and she hopes the next In School Work Experience Students can learn just as much as she did.

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