Justin Kenney: Persistence through the Pandemic

July 1, 2020 | COLLEGE NEWS

By Dallas Cooper Jackson, EdD

Justin was working in the food service industry. He grew tired of the ups and downs of the industry. He landed a job in maintenance. As he settled in, he got laid off. Times were hard and with the layoff, got worse. His family eventually moved up north for better opportunity and Justin decided to stay. He sent his son with his family.

He found a homeless shelter and moved in.  It was in the middle of 2019. In November he enrolled in Pinellas Technical College in the Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technology program.

Prior to falling on hard times, Justin graduated from high school, and enrolled in SPC. He eventually left SPC in search of a program that was better suited to his interest and needs.

Justin focused on his HVAC program, “nothing is going to stop me!” He entered the class and became laser focused. He found something that he truly enjoyed. “Trade schools are great because they give you hands on experiences and prepares you for work.”

Then it happened, COVID 19. The one thing that Justin discovered to change his employment outlook was abruptly halted in the dawn of a pandemic. He resorted to his new mantra, “Nothing will hold me back.”

He went to the public library and used their computers to get his classwork done. Then, that option collapsed. Deciding to keep going, he relied on his cellphone to get the course work done. “I didn’t have a job and school went into virtual mode, so I doubled down on school. I watched videos on HVAC and made school and studying my full-time job.” The instructors were very supportive as he continued in the virtual learning mode.

Justin started looking for work and did some research on HVAC companies. He was selective in his choice of companies. He found the perfect one. “I am so busy now, I know it’s a secure job. I work 7-5 Monday through Friday and am finishing his course online.”

“My boss is having a hard time finding people who are knowledgeable and willing to do the work. There aren’t enough people out here wanting to do HVAC work. “

When Justin started the HVAC program, there were 20 students in the class, since the program transitioned to virtual instruction due to COVID 19. He is aware some students have not been met with the same academic and professional successes he has. No matter what, he was not going to let anything stop him.

“This school (PTC) has been astonishingly important to me and my success. I have a job and am making more money than I ever did previously.” Justin wants to share his inspiration with others, “I want to talk to middle and high school students about trade school careers.”

“My plan is to open my own business. I know I have a lot to learn and some time to go, but the sky’s the limit in the trades industries. “

Justin persevered despite multiple setbacks and disappointments in his life. He sent an email to PTC and shared how the program, instructor, counselors and financial aid office helped him course correct his life and put it on a better track within a year-all done during a pandemic.

The HVAC program is offered on the St. Petersburg campus and is750 hours (approximately eight months long). Opportunity starts here! TO find out how to get a career in a year, call us at (727)893-2500.