Needing a fresh start in a new city, Michael Fogel moved to Seattle in February 2005. When he arrived, Michael started looking for a job in the restaurant or catering industry but he wasn’t having much luck. Soon he had run out of money and was living in his car. Michael was struggling.

Not knowing what path to take to turn things around, Michael went to TRAC Associates, a community-based organization in Seattle that provides employment services. Case manager JL Hernandez suggested to Michael that he enter a short-term vocational training program to develop more marketable skills. Michael took JL’s advice and in April 2005 started Seattle Jobs Initiative’s 5-month office occupations program.

Seattle Jobs Initiative’s full-time office occupations training is rigorous. Students are immersed in many different office software programs including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint. The goal is for SJI participants to have all of the skills necessary to obtain and succeed in an entry-level administrative position upon graduation.

“The schedule was demanding but I knew that as soon as I finished my schooling, all my hard work would pay off,” Michael said. “My case manager, JL, was very supportive and helped me get through my training.”

During the training, which is offered at Seattle Vocational Institute, Michael lived in Renton. The daily commute was expensive, but Michael took advantage of the gas vouchers that SJI can provide students during training. Transportation vouchers along with other wrap-around supports often make the difference for low-income adults between completing or dropping out of a full-time training program.

After 12 weeks of training, SJI participants are given internships with local employers. Michael was placed at an insurance brokerage firm, Kibble & Prentice, where he was able to apply the computer skills that he had learned. Michael was a great fit at his intern site, and Kibble & Prentice offered him a permanent position upon the conclusion of his internship.

Michael is now a Claims Specialist, where he processes claims for flexible spending accounts. He is making $26,000 per year plus benefits, but more importantly, Michael is on a career path that promises both stability and professional advancement.

“SJI’s program took a lot of dedication,” said Michael. “But it prepared me for the work environment, and has proved to me that hard work really does pays off.”

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