“I drive and operate several different vehicles, including semis with 13-speed manual transmissions,” says Paola, a driver for Sweetwater County Road and Bridge. “I haul materials for the maintenance and construction of our county roads. Every day is different.”

Paola and another Climb graduate are the only women currently driving for their department. “It’s a big responsibility being behind such an enormous vehicle since they have so much power to them,” says Paola. “You have to have the courage and training to get behind the wheel. I take it very seriously.”

“I’m a big fan of teaching job skills. Starting in this industry is a new beginning for Climb moms, and it makes our community better all around when they fill critical gaps in our workforce.”

– Gene Legerski, Sweetwater County Public Works Director

Gene Legerski, Sweetwater County’s Public Works Director, collaborated with Climb for Paola’s job placement. “I’ve worked with many women in the industry during the past 30 years and all of them have been great employees. I try to encourage them because, with the national shortage of CDL drivers, there is always a place for people eager to show up and learn.”

Gene says that Climb has been a vital source of new employees for Sweetwater County over the years. “I’m a big fan of teaching job skills,” he says. “Starting in this industry is a new beginning for Climb moms, and it makes our community better all around when they fill critical gaps in our workforce.”

Having a higher income has been life-changing for Paola and her children, especially as her oldest son started at the Lincoln College of Technology in Denver this fall. “This job has given us so much more stability,” she says. “I’m very persistent. When I want something that will benefit me or my family, I become very brave and ambitious.”

91% of Climb graduates are employed full time post-program.

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