Workforce Investment Act

[Mattymatt]

I found out from a friend about the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) which provides job training and retraining for people that are underemployed or on disability. I spent much of my adult life in information technology and I am thinking about trying to re-enter that career field because I don't know how much longer I will be able to work as an airline baggage handler. The work is very difficult and I can really only manage 2 or 3 days and I am left exhausted.

My friend just used the WIA to update his IT certifications and he is a little older than me. However, he is struggling getting beyond a simple help desk position. I am going to apply to the program through my local unemployment office. I still have the paperwork of my expired certifications. Perhaps I will get Security+, Network+, Linux+, and a Cisco certification? The classes and exams are free. In fact, I could probably pass Security+ and Network+ today. Linux and Cisco would take some more work. I am really interested in security and networks so it might make sense? Or maybe at 41 I have just aged out?

 

[tducey]

You're never to old to learn something new. I say Go For It and Good Luck.

 

[BraidedPony]

Free classes! Will you qualify for the WIA while employed? I would go for it, 41 is not too old (you have more data stored).
I think a tech job is something you can do for more years than a physical job like baggage handler.
Never turn down free knowledge, it would be fun! I assume you won’t be expected to attend classes full time but will be flexible.

 

[George Newman]

More power to ya there Mattymatt! Glad to hear of all the options that have opened up to you. Sorry to hear the air port gig isn’t working out.

 

[Nervous Rex]

Or maybe at 41 I have just aged out?

I hope you haven't aged out, because I'm older than you, and I want to make a change, too.

Give it a try. Even if it doesn't work out, you'll be no worse off than you are now.

 

[BraidedPony]

I know right? I was older than that when I learned how and then built my first database for an entire state agency!

 

[Mattymatt]

I picked up some extra shifts this week to so that I can pay back my parents for my most recent move. Next week, I will file the paperwork and see what happens. I do really like my job working around planes ... I just wish it paid more than a starvation wage.