Garrett Becomes a Marine Technician (Success Story)

When Garrett Houseman relocated to the Lake area, he was unemployed, didn’t know anyone, and wasn’t sure what career pathway he wanted to pursue. “I felt a little lost,” he said. 

Houseman visited State Fair Community College, which referred him to the Lake Career and Technical Center to learn more about his interest in boating and mechanics. 

Garrett’s family has always loved lake activities. That, mixed with his interest in mechanics, made it a no-brainer for him to enroll in the Marine Technology program at the Lake Career and Technical Center. The only problem was how he would cover the costs. 

That’s when he was referred to the Missouri Job Center Lake Area Affiliate inside State Fair Community College. With a team of Career Consultants (Whitney Davis, Mick Jaegers, Amanda Riley, Kari Newell, Dawnella Holt) setting him up with tuition, gas, and tool assistance through the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA), Garrett was on his way to a new career pathway. 

He was also enrolled in the work experience program, where he experienced training on the job while earning his certifications. 

Houseman completed the Marine Technology program in June 2022, earning a Certificate of Completion from Lake Career and Technical Center, OSHA, SkillsUSA, Yamaha, and CPR Training. 

He is employed full-time with Marty’s Marine in Osage Beach, Mo, with full benefits. 

“This program changed my future completely,” said Garrett. “It created a new career path for me – one I didn’t even know I wanted. I wasn’t looking for a Marine Technology career. I was just looking for job skills. I also had a great instructor at Lake Career who became just like family. He was always available and always supportive.”

Now that he’s found something he loves to do and gets to call it a career, Houseman is enjoying his new paycheck, spending time with friends, fishing, and working on his Jeep.  

Way to go, Garrett!