“I was in healthcare for ten years,” Heather said. “The most recent job I had was working the night shifts for the emergency department at Hennepin County Medical Center (HCMC) in admissions.” After the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, Heather wanted career change.

“When I went to unemployment, they gave me a lot of resources and that’s how I found out about the [Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota automotive] program,” Heather continued. “I wanted something with formal training, so I was on unemployment for about four weeks before coming to Goodwill.”

Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota’s (GESMN) automotive training helped Heather with resume building, budgeting, networking and mock interviews. “I learned how to network myself in a different field and how the [automotive] industry operated, which was a lot different than other fields,” Heather added.

“Everyone in my class was very helpful and encouraging of one another. Everybody brought something different to the table whether it was skills or life experiences. Our teacher was also very supportive,” Heather said. “As someone who is completely new to the automotive industry, it was an all-encompassing, really supportive experience that I wasn’t used to.”

Heather secured employment at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts as a parts specialist, where she thrives on the physicality of the job, problem-solving and interacting with customers and her co-workers. “I learn so much from the customers and everybody I work with; it’s the best,” Heather said. “I love going to work and not many people can say that.”

Taking the initiative, Heather earned a parts professional certificate through her employer, enhancing her confidence and knowledge in the field. “I enjoy doing a lot of outside learning and earning certificates because it helps my confidence grow as a new person in the field,” Heather said. Additionally, Heather completed all ten entry-level Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certifications, further solidifying her industry knowledge and qualifications.

“In the future, I would like to be able to do something to help the community that’s related to sourcing parts like working with transportation companies for schools or Metro Transit. I would like more involvement in community-based organizations,” Heather added.

“Heather from day one was completely engaged and doing absolutely everything that she could to take in the information and be the best student and peer she could be,” said Roxie, GESMN’s Workforce Development Manager. “Heather played a large part in driving and sustaining the classroom’s positive, collaborative and supportive environment,” Roxie added. “Heather is one of the most dedicated students we’ve ever had.”

“My biggest advice would be for everyone taking the [automotive] program to gather together and help each other out. Also, utilize all the classroom resources,” Heather said. “We had resources to an online book that was really helpful, and I actually purchased access to it to use outside the classroom because it was so helpful.”

To learn more about our automotive training and other career services, visit gesmn.org/learn or text JOBS to 71492.