Tools for a Stable Life
Underemployment means low wages that don’t cover life’s expenses, and potential that sits untapped. Partners in education, business, and workforce development create the system that helps someone move from underemployment into a sustainable career. Lonnie made that move and today is in a Carpentry Supervisor role where he’s leading teams and putting real skills to work.
At 29, Lonnie was working part-time and earning well below the federal poverty level. He wanted work that offered stability, a future, and a chance to build real skills. Carpentry stood out as a field with clear demand and room to grow, and he was excited to develop the right skills to make carpentry a career.
His progress came through alignment. SkillSource in Moses Lake connected Lonnie with carpentry training at Perry Technical Institute. He temporarily relocated from Moses Lake to the Yakima Valley, reducing travel and financial strain, allowing him to focus fully on training. In the shop, instructors saw how quickly he learned, how well he worked with others, and how often he took initiative during hands-on projects.
Support from the Community Reinvestment initiative through the Washington State Department of Commerce helped with training and tuition costs. Lonnie actively participated in the Match Investment Savings Account Program, where he earned financial incentives throughout his time at Perry Tech. He learned essential skills in budgeting, saving, and long-term financial planning. The matched savings he earned during his training helped him purchase a reliable car, giving him consistent transportation to training and work.
After completing his training in the Construction and Carpentry program, Lonnie was hired full-time by Bullseye Carpentry in Yakima. The team recognized his strong work habits and promoted him into a Carpentry Supervisor role, where he now leads others and contributes to major builds.
Lonnie came in to SkillSource looking for steady work and a trade he could build a future in. Training, tools, transportation, and an employer willing to hire — it all came together because the partners were aligned and Lonnie showed up ready.
