I worked in shipping and receiving until the company I worked for was sold. Left without a job, I began the difficult process of searching for something new. All I could find was one at a fast food restaurant. I was grateful, but after four years I realized that there was no hope for a future—it was a dead end. I felt stuck. When I spoke with my bishop, he recommended the training program at Deseret Industries (DI). I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but he told me that working at DI would not only help me stay on my feet financially while I trained, but would also give me the extra support I needed to get back into the shipping and receiving business I enjoyed.

I really liked working at DI. The program is awesome and the job coaches are great. I could never have accomplished all that I have without my job coach at DI. He helped me with my training on forklifts and in warehouse operations, customer service, and production processes. These skills were important additions to my resume. He was an inspiration and guide for me, supporting me when I wanted to give up. He was there to encourage me and offered me the vision I needed to look forward. He was there when I needed him and always gave me feedback so I could improve.

I continued looking for a new career while I was training at DI. One day, I went to a job fair. A particular company caught my attention and I applied. When I went to the interview, I used the skills that I had just learned in my job search skills class at DI. Because I had a solid resume and was able to present myself with confidence in my interview, I received a job offer.

I am so very grateful that I now have a good job to support myself and my family, one that is full-time with benefits. I am very grateful for the DI training program and the help it has given me.