Jose's Success Story | Nevada
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Jose Antonio Enriquez has been working in agriculture since he migrated to the United States in 1970. Originally from Guanajuato, Mexico: he moved to Fallon, NV, in 1978 after getting married. Jose worked in varying agricultural jobs; corn, wheat, alfalfa, melon, livestock, and as a dairy farmer. As a farmworker, keeping a steady job was hard to come by, especially not being able to afford to provide for his family during the offseason. Jose did not have the opportunity to attend school; he was occupied trying to maintain his family with food on the table and the overall responsibility of the household.
He became aware of Nevada Human Development Corporation (NHDC) when his daughter participated in the National Farmworker Jobs Program a couple of years ago. Jose attended the NHDC's annual Farmworker Appreciation Day in 2017 and 2018, a celebration recognizing farmworkers' hard work and a chance to learn about the NFJP and other resources. However, he still did not see himself enrolling into the NFJP program because he did not think it was for him due to his age, lack of English, and education. |
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Jose visited the Coordinator at the NHDC office to help with translation for unemployment paperwork. The NHDC Coordinator encouraged Jose to enroll in the NFJP program. He was unemployed due to the pandemic and thought he would have nothing to lose. He was struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic; as an elder, he was afraid of getting sick; still, he was determined to find a job, but due to the closures, he was unable to work.
Once enrolled, Jose took a Job Readiness Class; he learned about resume building and interviewing skills. He also engaged in an English-as-Second-Language course through Rosetta stone. NHDC assisted Jose with rent and food to help cover expenses while actively seeking employment during the pandemic. His biggest challenge was his English speaking abilities; he used Duo lingo to practice before interviews.
He applied at New Millennium: NHDC assisted with a tailored Cover Letter, resume, and interview preparation. Jose got hired at New Millennium as a Rigger, earning $18.00 an hour with full benefits plus bonus opportunities. Jose has never had access to benefits at any of his agricultural jobs before.
"I was so happy; I told my wife. I am old; I have never had a job earning a livable income", Jose stated, "Not only has NHDC helped me grow professionally, but it has helped my entire family."
Once enrolled, Jose took a Job Readiness Class; he learned about resume building and interviewing skills. He also engaged in an English-as-Second-Language course through Rosetta stone. NHDC assisted Jose with rent and food to help cover expenses while actively seeking employment during the pandemic. His biggest challenge was his English speaking abilities; he used Duo lingo to practice before interviews.
He applied at New Millennium: NHDC assisted with a tailored Cover Letter, resume, and interview preparation. Jose got hired at New Millennium as a Rigger, earning $18.00 an hour with full benefits plus bonus opportunities. Jose has never had access to benefits at any of his agricultural jobs before.
"I was so happy; I told my wife. I am old; I have never had a job earning a livable income", Jose stated, "Not only has NHDC helped me grow professionally, but it has helped my entire family."
