Navy Veteran Finds Path to IT Career Through Work-Based Learning
After proudly serving for three years in the U.S. Navy, Michael Williams returned to civilian life ready to build a stable career. When he was unexpectedly laid off from his job, he seized the opportunity to pursue a new path and enrolled in Cleveland Community College’s Associate in Applied Science in Information Technology Programming and Web Development.
As part of his studies, Michael joined the Work-Based Learning (WBL) program, which became a critical step in launching his new career. “It’s a great program because it gives you real hands-on work experience, allows you to shadow professionals, and helps you learn what you need to be successful in your future career,” he said.
His first internship through WBL was with CCC’s IT department, where he worked at the helpdesk. During this experience, he benefited from a wide range of tasks, including assisting students with password resets and supporting faculty with IT challenges.
Eager to further his education through practical experience, Michael re-enrolled in WBL and secured a second internship with the IT department at Cleveland County Schools (CCS). This partnership proved to be a transformative experience for Michael. Under the guidance of Chief Technology Officer Ginger Jackson and her dedicated team, Michael was immersed in the day-to-day operations of school technology support.
CCS allowed Michael to shadow and work alongside technicians across multiple schools, gaining insight into the complexities of IT support in an educational environment. From troubleshooting and resolving technical issues to installing hardware and software, Michael experienced the full spectrum of IT tasks. Beyond technical skills, he admired the technicians’ ability to foster strong working relationships with staff and faculty. “One thing that stood out to me was the importance of customer service and how the techs had great working relationships with the school staff and faculty,” Michael shared.
Michael also emphasized how CCS treated him like one of their own. “What really meant the most was that they all treated me like part of the team,” he said. This supportive environment allowed him to grow both professionally and personally, giving him confidence in his abilities and a deep appreciation for teamwork.
The WBL program at CCC and partnerships like the one with CCS provided Michael with the real-world experience he needed to succeed. However, financial challenges created hurdles for Michael, especially since this internship was unpaid. Recognizing this, WBL Coordinator Jaime Henderson connected Michael with Camille Eaves, Career Advisor at NCWorks. Through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program, Camille secured funding to compensate Michael for his internship hours and assist with his educational expenses.
Michael described his experience with NCWorks as “phenomenal,” praising Camille’s diligence and professionalism. “She expedited my paperwork and ensured I received my first paycheck quickly. I was truly grateful for her support,” he said.
With the combined help of CCC, CCS, and NCWorks, Michael completed his internships and achieved a significant milestone. At the conclusion of his internship with CCS, he was hired as a Tech 1 at Burns Middle School. Michael credits much of his success to the support system surrounding him, especially his wife Angela. “She sacrificed as much as I did.”
Michael’s story shows that setbacks can be the foundation for new beginnings. What started as an unexpected career setback led him to a fulfilling new path where he could make a difference, continue growing, and build a future.
As he powers up computers and tackles IT challenges at Burns Middle School, he can feel confident knowing that every experience and every struggle led him to this moment, and he is exactly where he’s meant to be.