Five years ago, Jaime Villarreal walked into the resource room at Employment Services of Weld County (ESWC) uncertain about his next steps. At the time, he was working in the production industry, elbow-to-elbow with an assembly line of a dozen others. It was the latest in a series of odd jobs, from HVAC apprentice to pawnbroker. Though he had an associate degree in Applied Science, he wasn’t sure he was on the right path. What he did know was that he wanted something more.

Reflecting on his time as a pawnbroker, Villarreal recalls having a sense of fulfillment when connecting with individuals and helping them maneuver through difficult circumstances.

“That seed was planted in my head, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a skillset I wasn’t tapping into," he said.

When a workforce reduction at his company led him to file for unemployment, Villarreal took the first step toward change — registering at ESWC and actively seeking new employment, a required part of the unemployment process. With the encouragement of his older sister, who was a case manager at ESWC at the time, he came into the resource room to explore available services. Since he was eligible for assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), he was paired with an employment and training navigator.

At that moment, the seed of change began to be watered.

Two pathways were presented by his navigator: enrolling in a training program or participating in a work experience. With a training program, he could pursue a certification in a new field or upskill within the mechanic industry. The work experience was a more immediate foot in the door; over the course of 500 hours, WIOA participants may be provided a placement at a job site, similar to a paid internship. A combination of eagerness and intrigue led to Villarreal choosing the work experience route.

“I was interested in learning something new and willing to put myself out of my comfort zone,” he said. “Looking back on my life, I knew I wouldn’t truly succeed until I confronted and overcame areas I was lacking. I needed to continue exploring ways to improve.”

He also acknowledges being motivated by fear.

“I didn’t want to continue investing in a pathway that might not be for me, Villarreal said. "I saw the work experience as an opportunity to upskill and find my niche.”

Villarreal was then assigned a career scope assessment. As he was sitting in the hallway at Employment Services waiting for the results, he looked back at the resource room. In that moment, he began to visualize himself working in that room, helping others navigate this same path he was currently on.

The seed had begun to sprout.

Two weeks later, Villarreal received his work assignment — Career Resource Representative, in the resource room. He was excited to get started but understood that choosing the work experience path didn’t ensure future employment, so he continued to utilize the range of programs offered by ESWC. He attended workshops on resume writing and interview skills while actively applying to other jobs.

As Villarreal’s work experience neared its end, he felt confident in his clerical and customer service skills, but lacking professional attire remained a barrier. He was able to access essential supportive services to address this additional barrier to obtaining unsubsidized employment, which can be used for clothing, transportation, equipment, etc. With a refreshed wardrobe, his confidence grew.

An unexpected opportunity for a full-time Career Resource Representative position became available. Villarreal applied, interviewed, and secured the position. He continued to hone his skills when another opportunity arose — his WIOA case navigator was leaving, creating an opening for that very position. It was a full-circle moment.

The sprout had turned into a full bloom.

“I was overcome with joy to have the opportunity to help clients navigate hardship. I’m all too familiar with the steps that they go through and the feelings they experience, both before coming to us and while working with Employment Services,” Villarreal said, his voice thick with emotion. “It really aids me having that outlook to tap into because I directly understand what they’re going through.”

From a small seed of hope to a fully blossomed career, Villarreal believes his experience can inspire others who are at a crossroads with their employment journey. He reiterates that no two stories at Employment Services are alike, but there are lessons from his story that everyone can carry forward.

“Finding work takes work. Navigators are here to point you to resources and help tackle barriers, but your success is up to you,” Villarreal said. “Whether you have a higher education degree or are confident in your technical skills, it’s important to self-evaluate and continue a journey of personal development.”

Employment Services of Weld County is ready to help job seekers pursue their own blooming potential. 

A better process and a better result. Those are the two biggest benefits of the Weld County Department of Fleet Services bringing a process in-house to better serve the Weld County Sheriff’s Office and residents. Learn more in the next edition of County Roots.