Kejuan

Position: 24/7 Security Guard
Employer: Monterrey Security
Employed since: June 2016

In the fall of 2015, Kejuan first came to YJC with interest in the Culinary Arts Program. Having previous food service experience, including working with Curt’s Café, he began the 11 week training program headed by Chef Q.

However, the path toward employment wasn’t easy. Housing instability was a true struggle for Kejuan throughout both the training and subsequent internship phases, as well as during the months following completion of the program. To say that finding and keeping a job was a challenge is an understatement, but Kejuan persevered, continuing to assess his options and his career goals. In January of 2016, Mr. Allen met with Career Advisor Len Felton to discuss pursuing a career in the security field. He completed 20 hours of classroom training and passed the test to receive his PERC (Permanent Employee Registration) Card, enabling him to work as a security officer. As Kejuan continued to stabilize other areas of his life, career goals took a backseat, and he was out of contact with YJC staff for several months.

Then, in April 2016, Kejuan came to the YJC office and met new WIOA Coordinator Nenette Hentz. Nenette, Len, and Employer Outreach Coordinator Jeanne Burgmann worked in tandem to identify job opportunities for Mr. Allen, finally landing an opportunity with Monterrey Security as a Summer Event Staff member. After electing to hire him, Monterrey reached out to Kejuan to gauge his interest in permanent, 24/7 security. One orientation session later, Kejuan walked out with a uniform and full-time employment as a security guard!

Reaching our personal and professional goals can sometimes feel like one step forward and two steps back. Here’s to Kejuan’s tenacity, drive, and faith in himself.

We are so proud to see you come so far!