Karina

Karina’s journey with One On One began when she saw a flyer for One One One’s free forklift certification program on Facebook. One On One offers quarterly forklift certification programs, where 15 clients participate for free in the program to better position themselves for a future in the workforce. 

Karina had been searching for a job, and saw that flyer at the perfect time. She was interested in working with a forklift because she knew it would be challenging work that she would enjoy.

Once Karina learned that the class was taught in English, she did not feel confident that she would succeed in the training because English is not her first language. Karina had a conversation with a One On One staff member who encouraged her to take the forklift course. Despite feeling insecure, she signed up for the course!

Karina attended our forklift certification program at Olive-Harvey College and passed her test, which provided her with a sit-down forklift certification. Karina’s employment coach at One On One supported her throughout her job search post-certificate by offering application support and personalized job leads. Karina applied to more than 30 jobs, and while at times she felt discouraged, she had many supporters from One On One to encourage her. 

Karina felt more secure and comfortable when applying for forklift jobs after she received her forklift certificate. It was a foot in the door to help her get where she wanted to be. 

Karina is now employed as a Forklift Case Picker for a warehouse near her home. Her hourly pay jumped from $17 to $21.76. She enjoys what she does and loves having busy workdays doing independent work, and feeling a sense of responsibility. Karina’s new job has a flexible schedule that allows her to spend more time with her family on weekdays. 

Karina’s goal for the future is to focus on learning more English. She is learning a lot of the language at her job, as all of her coworkers speak English, but she wants to become more confident in it. 

Karina’s advice for One On One participants is to have patience for the right job to come along and to take advantage of any opportunities, like courses and certifications, because you never know how they might make you a stronger candidate. She views One On One as the bridge that helped her get to where she is now and is grateful for her employment coach’s support.