Terence Gahie: A Future in Truck Driving
Terence Gahie came into the Kennett Job Center one year ago looking for a job as a truck driver. Terence, a hard worker and a veteran, wanted a job that would offer him the hours and pay that he needed to support himself. Before the SkillUP Program, he had little luck finding a job that could give him the full-time hours and wages he needed. The Job Center staff worked on a plan to get Terence into a career that suited his work ethic and would keep a roof over his head.
As a SNAP recipient, he was eligible for job help through the SkillUP program, and he wanted to attend the Southern Missouri Truck Driving School to get his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and start driving.
Terence told SkillUP staff he had a car but that it needed work before he could rely on it for transportation to and from school. Terence and the SkillUP team contacted the school about his options, and they were willing to accommodate Terence’s needs: The school said Terence could come to campus ahead of the program start date and stay in the dorms. They also agreed to help him get to and from the license office to take his permit and CDL tests. Lastly, the school would help Terence get to and from any job interviews.
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By July 2021, Terence received his CDL and began working at Potashnick Transportation Inc. “I really thank the people at the Job Center that have and are working with me,” Terence said. “They helped me get into the truck driving school, and pursue a CDL, and changed my life. This is a dream come true.”
In the future, Terence wants to become an instructor for other drivers. “I believe you can learn a lot from people, and I’d like the opportunity to work with others,” he said. “To others, I’d say that the Job Center is a great place to start. There are a lot of people with information and experience. They will point you in the right direction. That is advice I’d give people – ‘It can change your life!’ ”
The SkillUP program is Missouri’s employment and training program for Food Stamp (SNAP) recipients. The program is funded through the United States Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. The program is also funded through the Administration for Children and Families, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant.
Additional Resources
- The Mo Services Navigator helps you easily search statewide for programs and services you may need.
- The Missouri Resource Guide lists resources available in Missouri to help you and your family move towards a healthier, more stable future.
- The DSS Events Calendar lists job fairs, hiring events, and other scheduled opportunities that may be of interest to you.
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