Before joining Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota's (GESMN) YouthBuild program, Michelle worked a variety of customer service jobs. “I was working full time at places where I felt like I was overqualified," she shared. "Not being recognized for my work didn’t help encourage me to do more. I needed to find a program that would help me feel more accomplished."
Michelle discovered the YouthBuild program through CareerForce, an online career resource featuring training programs. "I thought YouthBuild was exactly what I needed at that time," she said.
A Path to Personal Growth
In November 2024, Michelle joined GESMN’s YouthBuild program, describing her experience as "really fun and inviting." She added, “YouthBuild encouraged me to overcome a lot. It’s been an eye-opener to be honest. It helped me realize that there’s so much more I can do. It got me really excited."
Over the next 22 weeks, Michelle attended YouthBuild programming 5 days per week. She participated in academic lessons, hands-on automotive training, and she developed career and leadership skills. This included exploring her skills, drafting a resume and engaging in mock interviews with employer partners.
Reflecting on her time in YouthBuild, she said, “It’s been really beneficial for me. The program helped set a routine, helped me get a foot in the door with potential employers and really made me understand my skills and how to make them useful – not just for myself but for employers.”
One of the most valuable skills Michelle gained was confidence. “Getting to talk to people here, it’s really professional,” she said, “The program helped me speak up more and really use my voice if I need something.”
Automotive Certifications and Achievements
Michelle’s dedication led to significant achievements. In January 2025, she earned her GED, along with certifications in first aid/CPR/AED, six Safety & Pollution Prevention (S/P2) automotive certifications and six digital literacy certifications. In March 2025, she passed the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) entry-level exam, marking a key step in advancing her career in the automotive service industry.
GESMN’s YouthBuild Manager, Kristen, emphasized Michelle’s positive attitude and leadership skills: “Michelle is an engaged student. A leader amongst her peers... she digs in and gets everything she can out of a lesson or experience and encourages her peers to do the same."
Kristen further acknowledged Michelle's dedication, noting, "She drives to St. Paul from Chaska every day for class. It’s a huge commitment."
Looking Toward the Future
Looking ahead, Michelle plans to continue her education. “I want to do some more school. I think it’s my best option, which YouthBuild helped me realize,” she shared. “I think I will continue in the automotive industry because it helped me engage with an interest of mine.” She’s considering Dunwoody or Hennepin Tech as potential educational paths. “I really like electronic engineering and computer stuff like cybersecurity,’ Michelle said, excited for what’s next.
Kristen is also excited about what lies ahead for Michelle: "Michelle is going to be some high-powered engineer somewhere, someday. She has the power to do something really cool."
Advice for Others
For people considering the YouthBuild program, Michelle says: "I think it’s something that directly benefits the participants. I’d say it’s worth a shot to show up every day or as much as you can."
“I want to say thanks to my instructors because now I know a whole bunch of people who I consider my community now,” Michelle added.
Learn more about the nearly 20 services and programs GESMN offers and the impact programs have in creating career opportunities.