From long-term unemployment to the open road: Kristery Holly earns her CDL through WIOA

Workforce Success, Career Transformation: Kristery Holly

Kristery Holly’s journey is a powerful example of how determination, support, and opportunity can lead to meaningful career success.

Kristery met with a CAPDD career consultant at the Arkansas Workforce Center in Lonoke, where she completed a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) application. She was able to provide all the required documentation and was determined to be eligible for the WIOA Adult Program. 

At 43 years old, Kristery was a high school graduate with no additional degrees or certifications and had been experiencing long-term unemployment. Despite actively seeking work, she had been unsuccessful in securing employment.

During her time at the workforce center, Kristery expressed a strong interest in pursuing a career in truck driving. With guidance from her career consultant, she completed all required assessments and paperwork to move forward with training. Kristery applied to 160 Driving Academy and was accepted into the program.

Through WIOA funding assistance, Kristery was able to attend training at 160 Driving Academy. She completed the course and earned her Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

Through WIOA funding assistance, Kristery was able to attend training at 160 Driving Academy. She completed the course and earned her Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), opening up new career opportunities in the trucking industry.

Kristery’s success highlights the impact of workforce development programs and the importance of access to training and career guidance.

Congratulations to Kristery Holly on this outstanding achievement and best wishes as she begins this new chapter in her career.