OS Newsletter July '22

Opportunity Stanislaus’ Talent Development Team recently launched “Rising Tides” – a program designed to help HR Directors learn the best practices for recruiting and retaining talent.

During the past three years of extensive research and surveying of regional HR Teams, our Talent Development Team learned that there was great need to train our employers on best practices. The global pandemic and the resultant workforce challenges elevated this as an issue that needed to addressed.

On June 21 we held the first Rising Tides workshop which was attended by 24 companies including 20 Opportunity Stanislaus investors. Please look forward to more workshops. If you would like more information about Rising Tides, please contact Amber Edwards at 209-422-6430 or aedwards@opportunitystanislaus.com.

Adam Peart came to me during my first year at serving VOLT Institute. I remember it vividly. He sat across the table with his young wife and infant daughter, explaining how he had been turned down by 3 major manufacturers locally for a maintenance position. He told me they all said, he had the skills, but nothing was focused.

At the time, Adam was making only $13 an hour doing maintenance work. I remember thinking, "I gotta do something here. This kid has real potential."

Long story short, Adam completed the training in half the time and received offers at the highest wage scale from all three of those same local manufacturers and went on to successfully install and make operational an entire bottling facility from scratch. From an empty warehouse to full production. I was amazed at what he had accomplished.

I often use Adam’s story as “The” example of hard work and success when talking with other students.

But then the unexpected happened, Adam was headhunted by one of the most known companies of our time. Adam was offered top pay and choice of shift. Adam called me for advice about what to do. I told him, "This is your brass ring, kid. Take it! It’s yours. This is what you worked for. Take it for your young family."
And he did…

On the day pictured here, Adam saw a video I posted from a recent job fair and decided to come and pay me a visit on his only day off.

He talked enthusiastically for nearly 30 minutes about the work he’s doing daily and how what he learned from the instructors at VOLT help him to shine and impress every day there.

As the conversation began to wind down, Adam thanked me. Saying, “In just 3 years, I went from $13 an hour to a 6 figure a year salary. I own a house now!”, I owe it all to VOLT and you."

- Kevin Fox

Director

VOLT Institute