“Being in the YES Indy program with EmployIndy helped me out a lot. I was in a position in life where I didn’t know where I was headed. I learned how to be confident and speak up for myself,” said RaeSean Franklin, sitting in the breakroom at Fastenal where he works full-time on the production floor helping to create industrial and construction products. 

Through YES Indy’s Advanced Manufacturing training, in partnership with EmployIndy, Public Action in Correctional Effort (PACE), Marian University, Training For Success LLC, Catapult, and Ivy Tech Community College, RaeSean not only gained confidence in himself but also the skills needed to earn full-time employment in a high-demand industry. 

Prior to enrolling in the training, RaeSean was working at Burger King and was living between his parents’ houses after being evicted. Having recently become a new father, he was drawn to the idea of finding stable housing and was looking for ways to increase his income. Through his participation with PACE and his interest in getting on a career pathway, he enrolled in the 13-week Advanced Manufacturing earn-while-you-learn training that consisted of job readiness, 160 hours of manufacturing theory and lab, on-the-job training, and job placement. 

“I didn’t imagine myself  in a manufacturing job at first but when the opportunity presented itself, I was willing to do anything as I knew I could leave with skills that I could use later in life,” said RaeSean. After completing the training, he was offered full-time employment with Fastenal, starting at $17 per hour. Now earning a livable wage, he’s been able to obtain independent housing and is on a path to career growth. Having been working for the company for six months, RaeSean even negotiated a wage increase and is now earning $18.75 per hour.

Along with building a foundation for his daughter through his new career, RaeSean also gives back by speaking to new cohorts enrolled in the YES Indy Advanced Manufacturing training. 

If you or someone you know is looking to take the next step and get on a career pathway, check out available training programs at www.yesindy317.org/industry-trainings.