Skills Into Steady Work
In rural agricultural hubs like Othello, the demand for skilled, local talent is constant — and for global cooperatives like CHS Inc., finding young professionals ready to take on those roles is vital. Armando knew early on that he wanted to build a career behind the wheel. After graduating from Othello High School in 2024 — and becoming a new father — he was focused on earning his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to provide for his family.
He actually started his training through an innovative CDL training program at Othello high school. While some initial challenges prevented him from finishing then, he didn’t let the goal slip away. He came to SkillSource looking for a path forward.
From the start, Armando approached the process with total commitment. With the support of SkillSource, he enrolled in T-Enterprises Truck Driving School in Pasco to complete his training. SkillSource helped cover the cost of tuition and work clothing, and within weeks, Armando had earned both his CDL and a HazMat endorsement.
Even with those credentials, many driving positions are hard to access when you’re just starting out. But CHS saw his potential and his roots in the community. They hired him locally and continued investing in his growth with additional certifications for skid loaders and forklifts.
Because of that partnership, CHS now has a skilled Operations Specialist helping them meet peak seasonal demands, and Armando has a diverse, employable skillset that will take him as far as he wants to go.
This is what drives us forward: a strong partnership between employers who invest in a person’s potential, workforce partners who help remove barriers to employment, and a career seeker’s willingness to put in the work to succeed. Together we open doors and change lives.
Congratulations to Armando and CHS!
