Caitlyn first came to the NextGen Career Center in July 2013 when she was just 18 years old. She was fresh out of high school and seeking assistance with identifying a career pathway. Before enrolling with NextGen, her work history was limited to brief and mainly retail positions. Caitlyn enjoyed working with people and wanted to find a career pathway where she could make a positive impact. After working with NextGen staff and through personal reflection and exploration, she became determined to begin a career in the healthcare industry.
NextGen began using its resources to help Caitlyn’s aspirations become a reality. The road has been long, but Caitlyn has proven her dedication to success. “Her tremendous work ethic and positive attitude have always shown during her time as a participant in our youth program,” says Amanda Tyndall, Caitlyn’s career counselor.
After completing coursework at Johnston Community College in October 2013, Caitlyn was ready to start a Certified Nursing Assistant work experience position at Home Health Care in Smithfield. She was provided with the necessary training to properly care for patients. Caitlyn would read and record every patient’s vitals, aid them with any treatments needed and assist with their daily living activities. She was working hard to gain the necessary experience for working with patients and also learning the various roles in the healthcare field.
With some short time off to start a family, Caitlyn was soon back in the workforce. In September 2015, she started a work experience at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield as a Unit Secretary, completing various administrative duties and handling room accommodations for all patients.
With another new addition to her family, Caitlyn was able to take a brief step back from working to do some career exploration and really determine what career path was right for her. While she wanted to remain in healthcare, her experiences and personal interests led her to choose dentistry as the next step in her career pathway. She enrolled in courses at Wake Tech and took a major step in her career by completing a work experience through NextGen as a Dental Assistant at Clayton Pediatric Dentistry. Caitlyn trained in dental tool sterilization and room preparation procedures, while also learning the delicate skill of working with children.
Caitlyn continues to balance school and life as a mother and wife, as she moves forward in her dental assisting program. With the support of her family and the NextGen staff, along with some hard work and determination, Caitlyn is on the road to having a successful career.
NextGen provides workforce development services for Johnston County young adults and businesses. An array of services are provided to help youth and young adults meet their career and academic/training goals.
NextGen is a youth program that is federally funded through the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA). NextGen funds are administered by the Capital Area Workforce Development Board and the center is operated by JCI.
-JCI News Release
