Sacramento Works | Emerge Career with SETA
“I’ve had entry-level jobs my entire time, never really a steady career,” said Joshua, 43.
Today he holds a Class A commercial driver’s license, a credential that qualifies him for jobs paying more than $60,000 a year.
It’s burden lifted off of my shoulders. – Joshua Daniel
Finding the road
“I don’t prefer to be stationary,” he said. “I like to be active, I like to be on the road, I like to be in diverse locations.”
He first thought about trucking in his early twenties. Back then he wanted to be a heavy equipment operator. The idea came back in his late thirties. This time it stuck.
I have a love for trucks. Being a professional driver has always been a career I’ve wanted to seek after. – Joshua Daniel
Joshua was incarcerated for mistakes he made in his early twenties. He has been looking for a stable career ever since.
Being incarcerated in the past affected me in a really profound way. It showed me how to fail, honestly. It showed me what it looks like to hit rock bottom. – Joshua Daniel
What he took from it was a decision.
“I’ve tried all the things in the past that haven’t worked,” he said. “Now I’m trying something that actually does work.”
Getting there
Joshua found SETA & Emerge Career’s partnership online. He started his coursework online.
He worked through practice tests and flashcards. He stayed in contact with his coaches by email and text. He was reimbursed for costs along the way.
“They give you all the tools you need to succeed,” he said. “They were very responsive, and they showed me all kinds of support from the beginning.”
He set his own pace.
They really work with you and let you go at your own pace. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can take a break. You can get some coaching.
– Joshua Daniel
“My family has been a huge support,” he said. “From emotional to physical to financial. That’s been a real big blessing.”
Then came behind-the-wheel training at Western Truck School.
Once you hit the yard, you’re going to be having so much fun. Next thing you know, you’re going to have your license just like that. – Joshua Daniel
A new partnership
SETA and Emerge Career now offer the same training to more Sacramento County residents.
Participants are matched with a coach and start their instruction online and earn a Commercial Learner’s Permit. Then comes behind-the-wheel training, a road test, and job placement.
California is projected to have more than 18,000 truck driver openings each year, driven by retirements, turnover, and freight demand.
Applicants must live in Sacramento County and be 21 or older. They must have a history of arrest, charge, conviction, or active supervision. They must also have a documented mental health condition or substance use disorder. All four apply together.
Sacramento County residents can learn more at seta.net. Learn more about Emerge Career at emergecareer.com.
Looking ahead
Asked what he would say to someone considering the program and hesitating, Joshua answered directly.
Don’t have any doubts. Just believe in yourself. Believe in the program. The program works. I am proof that it works. – Joshua Daniel
Asked what he would say to the agencies that funded his seat, he paused.
Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. Without your support, none of this would be possible.
I feel like I can be proud of myself. I feel like I can look forward to a financially secure future. – Joshua Daniel
