Rise Up Industries<\/a>. Rise Up is modeled after Homeboy Industries, a gang intervention and reentry program.<\/p>\nNow I\u2019m seven months into a paid, 18-month apprenticeship with Rise Up, training to be a computer numerical control machinist for which I need a certain level of computer literacy because the whole system is set up on the internet and we use computers to program the machines to cut specific parts.<\/p>\n
In fact, I wouldn\u2019t have been qualified for this position if I didn\u2019t have the digital skills training to familiarize myself with basic computer skills.<\/p>\n
Not only am I paid well in this position, but my co-workers and I also get all the support we could ask for, including counseling and financial advice. I love my co-workers, too.<\/p>\n
Work isn\u2019t the only place I use the digital skills I learned, though. They\u2019ve been vital in all parts of my life. I learned how to operate my cellphone, including using GPS navigation, which I use every day to drive the streets of San Diego. I use Bluetooth technology to play music over my car stereo. I even need these skills for my wellness. For example, most COVID-19 vaccine appointments have to be scheduled online. I\u2019m grateful I had the ability to do that.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m really proud of how far I\u2019ve come in a short time. Professionally, I\u2019m learning and excelling at whatever I set out to do. I was even hired for a second job working at a machine shop in El Cajon.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, I plan on completing this apprenticeship program and getting my certification.<\/p>\n
Eventually, I hope to purchase my own milling machine, pursue a contractor\u2019s license and start a business. While in prison, I earned my degree in business management from Palo Verde College in Blythe. While my goals may sound lofty, I have the wherewithal to make them happen.<\/p>\n
There are still a lot of things related to computers that I don\u2019t understand \u2014 sometimes a problem comes up with the Wi-Fi that I don\u2019t know how to fix, and I\u2019m still confused by phone data. However, I know enough basic information to know how to ask for help. And that\u2019s what\u2019s most important.<\/p>\n
I owe a lot to the people and organizations that have supported me since I left prison, including CEO and its digital skills program. In just a couple of months, with what I learned, I was able to go out on my own and get a job with another company. I\u2019ve been able to accomplish so much in the past year, and I\u2019m excited to see what else I can achieve from here. I can only hope others who are returning to their communities realize they also have the opportunity for a wonderful life.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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