When Royal Canin announced the permanent closure of its manufacturing facility in Rolla, Missouri, more than 100 people lost their jobs. Keith Smith was one of them. But rather than see the closure as an ending, Keith turned it into the starting point for an entirely new career.
Keith connected with a Central Region Job Center to figure out his next move. Through the WIOA Dislocated Worker program, he received tuition assistance for Professional Truck Driver Training at Clement Truck Driving Academy, giving him the chance to earn a Commercial Driver’s License, Class A, and pursue a career in the trucking industry.
The support made all the difference. “The WIOA program helped me successfully achieve my goal of entering the trucking industry by providing the support and resources I needed to complete my training,” Keith said. He passed his CDL test on the first attempt, a major milestone toward the new career he was building.
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From there, Keith kept climbing. He attended orientation with TMC Transportation and graduated at the top of his class, earning the company’s Destination: Excellence award for outstanding performance. Through hard work and dedication, he earned his own truck with TMC and hit the road as a professional driver.
“This journey has allowed me to achieve a goal I worked hard for and has provided me with a rewarding career and a brighter future,” Keith said. “I am grateful for the support and guidance I received throughout this process, which helped me turn my career goals into reality.”
For Keith, a plant closure that could have derailed his future became the moment he took control of it. His story is a reminder that with the right resources and determination, a setback can become a fresh start.
If a layoff or plant closure has left you searching for your next step, the WIOA Dislocated Worker program may be able to help. Visit cwdregion.com to learn more about training assistance and career services available in Central Missouri.