Alabama - Meet Wendell

Workforce Challenge

Workforce Success Story Submitted By: Mobile Works Inc.

Tuition assistance allows a young man to attend technical college and begin working in the Aerospace industry.

Wendell Powell remembers playing with toy airplanes as a youngster. “I’ve always wanted to work with my hands and loved fixing things and taking things apart,” Powell said. The days went by and before he knew it he was a member of the 2005 graduating class of Williamson High School. Like some of his classmates, Powell decided to attend a four year college. He wasn’t sure what he would study and even admitted that he wasn’t sure that a four year college was for him.

Workforce Solution

Wendell entered college but left shortly thereafter. His parents encouraged him to follow up on a career tech program that he was exposed to in high school. Eventually, Powell enrolled in Enterprise Ozark Community College (now Alabama Aviation School of Mobile) to pursue a career as an aviation mechanic. Although excited about entering the program, there was a concern about the cost. Powell knew that going to school full time and working full time would be next to impossible. Then, he enrolled in the WIA Training Program. The tuition assistance for this program allowed him to attend school full time. “There is no way I could have completed this program without Mobile Works, Powell said.

Outcomes & Benefits

Powell successfully completed his studies and is now a certified A&P Mechanic with ST Aerospace Engineering. In fact, Powell was also featured in a marketing campaign that encourages high school students to consider programs in career technical education. ”I loved math and science, especially working with moving parts. College was not the best path for me. I have been able to accomplish a great deal without a four year college degree,” states Powell.

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