Desirae

Equipped with electrical training from a local Phoenix trade school, Desirae* was eager to enter the workforce and utilize her new skillset. She did not expect the job search to be as fruitless as she experienced. It became clear to Desirae that adding another certificate to her resume could help set her apart from others during the application process.   

“I looked up classes for women only, and that’s how I came across Fresh Start’s site, and I figured why not give it a try. Honestly, I’m really happy that I did.”  

Desirae connected with Fresh Start Education Advisor Trey, who shared the available career training, and she enrolled in an upcoming Cable Harness Wiring program.   

As the start date approached, Desirae fought negative self-talk and turned to Fresh Start for support.   

“I had a lot of negative thoughts saying that I couldn’t learn anything. There was a lot of doubt. Trey kept talking to me, telling me it’s going to be okay and that I’m [capable of] learning.”  

The Cable Harness Wiring program is a four-week intensive course that includes two weeks of training on the Mesa Community College (MCC) campus and two weeks at Fresh Start headquarters for career placement support.   

In addition to access to all Fresh Start’s offerings in Family Stability, Health & Well-Being, Financial Management, Education & Training, and Careers, the career placement support specifically assists with resume writing, interview preparation, and hiring events.   

Desirae’s two weeks on the MCC campus flew by. She enjoyed working with her hands and was especially excited when the curriculum focused on hands-on learning.   

“I like to learn with my hands. The fact that I’m able to do something like this that has very small tools [is so cool]. I didn’t think I had a very steady hand, and now I know I do. I can’t wait to put more of my knowledge into the next career.”  

Working toward starting a new career is no easy feat, and Desirae stayed motivated on her journey by thinking of her mom and niece.   

“During break times [in class], I’d call them, and anytime I heard their voices, it helped me push forward… I’m doing this not just for me and to get a better life for myself, but for them too.”  

Desirae hesitated even to imagine where she would be if she hadn’t found Fresh Start.   

“I would be stuck doing the same thing: stressing and trying to figure out what to do. Like, ‘why did I go to school to be an electrician and I can’t even get that position?’ But now, my resume makes me feel more confident.”  

After gaining her Cable Harness Wiring certificate, Desirae completed career and education advising with Fresh Start. Next, she set her sights on applying for an electrician apprenticeship at a local university.