Alex Ocampo moved to Seattle in 2003 in search of better job opportunities.  Prior to moving, Alex had a successful career in the construction industry in the Philippines as well as in Guam.  But when he came to Seattle, the first job he could find was a cashier position at a gas station. Unfortunately, the low wage didn’t provide for him and his two daughters. After six months, Alex switched to a building maintenance position, but his employer could not afford to give him full-time work. For a

short period of time, Alex was balancing two part-time jobs. Realizing he needed to gain new skills and make a career change, Alex entered Seattle Jobs Initiative’s High-Tech program.

Sacrificing income to return to school is a common hardship that low-income adults face. For seven months, Alex attended SJI’s full-time training program, completed his daily homework assignments, and kept a part-time evening job to pay his bills – which hardly left him enough time to sleep at night. Seattle Jobs Initiative’s wrap-around services helped Alex survive. He received monthly bus passes and even a new pair of prescription eyeglasses at no cost.

“Seattle Jobs Initiative was very supportive during my training,” said Alex. “I don’t think I could have made it through without their help.”

Seattle Jobs Initiative placed Alex at an internship with eProject, a Seattle-based technology company. The company recognized his strong work ethic and ability to multi-task, and hired him upon his graduation from SJI’s program.

Today Alex is a Systems Administrator at eProject and has received multiple pay raises. He’s now making over $40,000 per year, and he and his daughters receive full medical benefits at no cost. Over the past year, Alex has been able to save nearly $2,000, which he has set aside for the purchase of his first home. Seattle Jobs Initiative helped him set up an Individual Development Account (IDA) and he plans to begin house shopping in early 2006. Alex is also working towards completing his AA degree in network administration at South Seattle Community College.

“I have goals and I will reach them, because I was blessed with Seattle Jobs Initiative’s training program,” said Alex.

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