Nicole Norris

Nicole relocated from Texas to Allegany County to be closer to her family.  Once established in her new home, Nicole began investigating job search/job training opportunities. Nicole discovered the Western Maryland Consortium, and she immediately applied to explore the options provided by the WIOA Program.   Nicole was registered and assessed for appropriate services by Gail Groves, Career Counselor at the Western Maryland Consortium.

Nicole entered the Career Pathways Program which is a cooperative education, career exploration, and job search assistance program operated by a partnership of Allegany College of Maryland, Department of Social Services and the Western Maryland Consortium. Through the career exploration component of the program, Nicole then investigated a variety of training opportunities that are available in our region.

Nicole expressed an interest in the Welding Program at Allegany College.  Gail Groves arranged for Nicole to speak with Mike Chronister, Allegany College Advanced Manufacturing Project Manager, to further explore her interest in the field.

Next, Nicole was enrolled in the Welding series at Allegany College with tuition and materials cost assistance from the Western Maryland Consortium.

Nicole has recently obtained employment; she is working during the day and continuing her welding training at night.  “I enjoy learning a new trade skill that I can use to build my future. I really appreciate all the assistance from the Consortium that has pointed me in the right direction to improve my life.”