Celebrating Cohort 16: The Most Active and Engaged Yet

Graduation day never gets old at WorkAdvance, but our 16th cohort was something special. Instructor Wil Schroeder, who has guided nearly every class since the program began, described this group as “our most active and participatory cohort yet.”

Highlights of Cohort 16

• 7 graduates celebrated their completion of the program

• 2 participants secured jobs before graduation, beginning work at Blanchard Valley Health System and DHL

• All graduates sat for the Certified Manufacturing Associate exam, with 2 already passing and others on track to succeed soon

These achievements reflect not only the dedication of the participants but also the power of the WorkAdvance model in preparing people for good jobs—jobs with competitive pay, opportunities for advancement, and long-term stability.

Graduation is Just the Beginning

While graduation marks an important milestone, it is not the end of the journey. In fact, it is simply the first, next step. Post-graduation, the Financial Opportunity Center continues to stand alongside each participant, helping them:

• Work through employment barriers

• Create personalized financial plans

• Serve as a sounding board and mentor for ongoing success

WorkAdvance training is never just about the classroom. It is the start of new mentor-mentee relationships, the beginning of finding your good job, and the launchpad for a career path that can lead to countless opportunities.

We are proud of Cohort 16 and cannot wait to see the impact they will make in the workforce and in our community.

Interested in starting your own journey? Learn more at workadvancefindlay.org → News.