Cabezas was working on a shift in Bellevue starting at 4 a.m., while living in downtown Seattle. Buses near his workplace were infrequent at that hour, and he didn’t own a car either.

He got by, borrowing a relative’s car whenever he could, but the lack of transportation became a huge challenge for he and his family.

Fortunately, Cabezas was referred to Working Wheels by the Center for Career Alternatives. He purchased a low-mileage 1991 Plymouth Sundance in late 2002.

Having the car did help Cabezas get to work more easily. But the best was yet to come, from Port Jobs' Financial Mentoring Program (FMP).

Action plan leads to success

Through FMP, Working Wheels car owners work one-on-one with a financial mentor to develop individual action plans to meet personal and financial goals ranging from changing careers to paying off debt or buying a home.

FMP was created by Port Jobs with support from the National Endowment for Financial Education®. Implementation funding is provided by the Paul G. Allen Foundation.

Cabezas already had excellent money management skills, so he decided to focus on his most important goal - to work as an aircraft mechanic.

As a certified aeronautical mechanic in the Philippines for over 19 years, Cabezas had been employed by Philippine Airlines and Lufthansa. But despite his extensive qualifications, he lacked certifications to work as an airplane mechanic in the U.S., taking a job as an aircraft fueler instead.

So Cabezas began working with financial mentor Renée Taylor, an employment specialist with Pacific Associates (PA), a leading workforce development organization. Under contract with Port Jobs, PA provides employment services and financial mentoring to Working Wheels car owners.

Through PA’s Adult Workforce Investment Act program, Cabezas received financial assistance for training materials and exam fees for the Airframe and Powerplant (A & P) Aircraft Mechanic exam. Cabezas also received ongoing support, guidance and encouragement from Renée.

Hard work pays off

Cabezas went on to pass his exams and earn his certification. A few months later, he was hired by Northwest Airlines. After completing a six-week paid training, Cabezas was selected for an additional two weeks of specialized simulator training.

Cabezas will start work late this summer. Happily, he will be stationed in Seattle for the foreseeable future, near his family.

Recalling his experience with FMP, Cabezas says, “[Renée] has worked with me and supported all of my efforts from the very beginning. I don’t know how I could ever repay her.”

“My repayment,” Taylor says, “was seeing Sisenando realize his dream of securing employment as an A & P Mechanic, and achieve his goals.”