Meet Dalton

Eighteen-year-old Dalton spent much of his childhood struggling with anger issues. He often engaged in fights at school and wound up in a juvenile institution for most of his teenage years.

When released from the institution, Dalton moved in with his grandparents in the Madison area. He worked with his mentors and probation officer to connect with the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program for out-of-school youth. Over the last year Dalton actively participated in the program where he had the opportunity to develop his job search skills and develop a strong work ethic. More importantly, he learned to build confidence in himself.

Dalton caught a break during the summer of 2010 and obtained his first job working at Glacier Arctic Ice in Madison. He was excited and eager to work and his supervisor was happy with his performance. He was proud to add this temporary work experience to his résumé as he continued to pursue permanent employment opportunities.

The WIA staff worked with Dalton to target his employment search in the Fitchburg area. His persistence and strong job search skills helped him land a permanent Lead Night-Shift position at the Target store in Fitchburg.

Dalton was motivated to write a thank you letter to the WIA team. In this letter he stated that, without this program he would not have gained various work readiness skills and the confidence needed to succeed. He now feels positive about his future and is enjoying his new job.

He continues to stay connected to the program and takes every chance he can to help other program participants find employment, telling them, “Come in and apply at Target. I will help you get in!”