Henry
Youth Program Lead Jo Dene Kern reports on her customer. “Henry was seeking career guidance and training assistance when he came to Man-Tra-Con for WIOA services in September 2023. A high school student living with his disabled mother, Henry struggled to make ends meet while working part-time at McDonald’s,” Jo Dene explains.
“Henry’s career goal was to earn a degree in Construction Management. He applied and was accepted into the Construction Craft Prep Program during his junior and senior years at Johnston City High School, earning 30 credits by the time he graduated,” Jo Dene says.
“In the fall of 2024, Henry was able to transfer his high school credits to enroll in the Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management online degree program at Shawnee Community College. While in school, Henry also completed certified on-the-job training with the Laborers’ Union (LIUNA) Contractors Joint Apprenticeship Construction Craft Training Program. He started at $24.00 per hour and worked his way up—earning $63,500 in 2025,” Jo Dene reports.
“Henry worked 60 hours each week building fences, laying pipeline, and finishing concrete from Texas to Minnesota while completing his online classes at Shawnee Community College. He was the only student from his class that took credits earned in high school and put them toward a college degree. Henry was a hard worker and caregiver—living with his mother and supporting her by paying half of the household bills,” Jo Dene adds.
“In May 2026, Henry graduated from Shawnee Community College with honors and a 4.0 GPA. He was immediately hired by Laborers’ Union, Local 773, for a full-time Lead position where he is currently earning $35.00 per hour,” Jo Dene says.
Henry talks about the services he received from Man-Tra-Con, “I am grateful to Man-Tra-Con and the WIOA Youth Services Program for helping me with my education. I would have never made it this far without their assistance.”