Adult Career Training Program Helps Woman Earn GED and CDL

May 25, 2023

Patricia Chamberlain had a busy night at the 2023 Northwest Education Services Adult Education Graduation Ceremony.  She was inducted into the National Adult Education Honor Society and also received the Adult Career Training (ACT) program Achievement Award. Patricia enrolled in the ACT program in the fall of 2022 to earn her GED and her CDL.

“I went to Michigan Works! to get my diploma and they offered the ACT program, which is a wonderful program,” said Patricia. “I got my CDL. It was a rough road, but I managed to graduate top of my class.”

After completing the ACT program, Patricia started her truck driving career by team driving with her husband. When she wasn’t driving or sleeping she was studying for the GED. Patricia’s career training and academic success came more than 20 years after she dropped out of school when she had her first child. She said watching him graduate from high school in 2019 motivated her to continue her own education and training.

“I pushed myself really hard for him and for the rest of my kids,” said Patricia. “It is probably something I never would have been able to do without the help of Michigan Works! and this program. I don’t know where I would be if I wouldn’t have been able to successfully receive help here.”

More information about the ACT program, which is offered through a partnership between Northwest Michigan Works! and the Wexford-Missaukee Career-Tech Center, is available at wmisd.org/act.

Watch the video below to hear what Patricia has to say about the ACT program.