Eager to be employed in the transportation industry, Malik Owens decided to steer his career on track with help from the Central Arkansas Workforce Development Area (CAWDA). In May 2018, Malik reached out to the Arkansas Workforce Center in Benton for help, and shortly after, was accepted to participate in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program.
Afterwards, he registered at the Pine Bluff Truck Driving School’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training Program and perfected his skills behind the wheel. Additionally, he focused on becoming work-ready by improving his job searching skills and updating his resume.
One month later, he received his CDL and advanced his career as a truck driver with James A. Rogers Excavating Service making $16.00 an hour. Malik is thrilled about the opportunities that became available such as a steady income and benefits like paid time off, insurance, etc.
As a result, he flourished when it came to defining his educational goals and took advantage of the services that were provided through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant.
