Before connecting with the Southeast Workforce Development Region Job Center, Kolten Smith found himself in a situation many young people recognize—full of potential, but without a clear path forward.
Kolten was a high school senior at Arcadia Valley School District when we first crossed paths. He came from a poverty-stricken area where opportunities seemed limited. His family struggled financially, relying on free lunches, and his parents did not have the means to send him to college or help him pursue post-secondary education. Like many young people in his situation, Kolten lacked confidence in his future and struggled to see a path forward.
Kolten’s story didn’t end in that place of uncertainty. It began to change when he connected with the Southeast Workforce Development Region Job Center through a RootEd advisor who recognized his potential and knew the WIOA Youth Program could offer the support he needed. After meeting with Kolten and his parents at the school and assessing his situation, his Case Manager determined that Kolten was eligible for the WIOA Youth Program as an in-school youth—and that is when the transformation began.
The WIOA Youth Program enabled Kolten to pursue his passion for welding, a career he had always been interested in but never had the resources to chase. The program helped cover the cost of two rounds of tuition for welding school, opening doors Kolten never thought possible, and offered to assist with the tools and supplies he would need. But Kolten took the initiative himself, securing a summer job before school even started to help fund the remaining costs. His determination and work ethic were clear from the start.
Throughout the journey, his Case Manager stayed in close contact, checking in frequently and offering encouragement to keep him motivated. There were tough times, but Kolten’s drive never wavered. And when he graduated from welding school, it wasn’t the end of the road—it was just the beginning.
Immediately after finishing his program, Kolten received an offer to work as a traveling welder. Since then, his career has skyrocketed. He is now in high demand, receiving multiple job offers from employers across the country. His most recent opportunity was with an offshore oil rig off the coast of Louisiana, where he is now making over $100,000 a year.
Looking back, Kolten admits that without the support of the WIOA Youth Program, he would likely still be in Iron County, working a minimum-wage job with no prospects and no real vision for a life beyond his circumstances.
Today, Kolten’s story is a testament to the power of opportunity and the difference a program like WIOA can make in the life of a young person. It’s a story of hope, determination, and success—a reminder that with the right support and resources, anything is possible. Kolten is no longer the young man who doubted his future; he’s a confident, thriving individual with a promising career ahead of him.
Kolten’s journey highlights the impact of the Southeast Workforce Development Region Job Center, where career coaching, training resources, and workforce development programs help individuals gain the skills needed to build stable careers.
Through services available at Missouri Job Centers across the state, individuals like Kolten can access training opportunities, career guidance, and pathways into high-demand industries that strengthen both families and local communities.
Congratulations, Kolten, on your success!