Young Woman Develops Job Skills for a Successful Career

“Telamon has helped me achieve my dreams. After obtaining my license as a Pharmacy Technician, I was able to purchase a vehicle and rent an apartment for my family. I am so grateful to Dina and Telamon for helping me to transform my life!”—Zuleyka

Zuleyka and her family lost nearly everything after Hurricane Maria ravaged Puerto Rico in the fall of 2017. Destitute and homeless, the family relocated to Maryland to build new lives. Without the means to rent an apartment, they stayed with family members.

As a teenager, Zuleyka and her father worked at a nearby chicken plant that processed raw poultry in order to provide for the family. However, her health quickly declined making the intensity and physical demands of the job unbearable. It was difficult decision for Zuleyka to leave the poultry plant since her family relied on her for financial support. Due to her lack of work experience, she had to take a low paying job at a small, local pharmacy. Zuleyka’s transformation began when she learned about the National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) at Telamon.

Dina Gonzalez, a Workforce Specialist, introduced Zuleyka to NFJP and the Lower Shore Workforce Alliance Out-of-School Youth Program. These programs offer training and employment services to help people become economically self-sufficient and productive members of the community. Since her father worked in the poultry plant and she met all the requirements, Zuleyka was eligible to enroll.

Through Telamon’s NFJP program, Zuleyka received career counseling and services, and Dina played a key role. Zuleyka discovered that she wanted to become a certified Pharmacy Technician. With the assistance of her case managers, she registered for an online Certified Pharmacy Technician program. After 12 difficult months working and studying at the same time, Zuleyka completed the certification program with honors. Plus, she passed the exam required by the Maryland Board of Pharmacy. Now working as a certified Pharmacy Technician, she is a happy and successful wage earner, supporting her family and contributing to her community.

Telamon-TRC’s Workforce & Career Services encompasses a broad array of customized work readiness and job skill training programs, focusing on helping farmworkers, and youth who seek to build skills and career paths. Work readiness and job skill development are often supplemented by language services (ESL), educational support (GED) and includes one-on-one counseling, group workshops and supportive services. Since 1965 Telamon-TRC has helped individuals like you access services that lead to better jobs, better lives, and better communities. Find a Workforce & Career Services program near you today.