Derek Larsen – Mechanics Co-Op

On the outside, Derek Larsen has a tough exterior, but on the inside, Derek is an upstanding gentleman with a huge heart and loyalty to those he cares for.  Derek started the Pathways2Success Cooperative Education class working on the Turn Pike in Elverson, PA at HMS Host.  Specifically, he worked at the Arby’s fast food restaurant serving travelers as they made their way West through Eastern Pennsylvania.  Derek’s supervisor always gave Derek high regards, stating that he was always on time, he easily picked up new skills and was able to work in any position and train new employees.  But Derek’s heart was not in cooking or serving food.  On a daily basis, Derek passionately talked about his latest vehicle that he was fixing up or the future vehicle that he was hoping to purchase.  As his 18th birthday approached at the change of the new year, we counted down the days until he could apply to Morgan Truck Bodies in Morgantown, PA, where his enthusiasm for mechanics could be matched with a career.  Derek has been working at Morgan for a few months now.

Derek’s next move is to earn a welding certificate through Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology.  He recently enrolled in their 5-week Production Welding program that will begin in July.  During this time he will take a leave of absence from work.  When he returns, they will promote him into a welding position that will increase his hourly pay.  Derek’s Thaddeus Stevens program will be completely paid for by CareerLink of Lancaster through their Business Education Partnership Grant program.  Derek earned this grant by successfully passing the WorkKeys tests in January which earned him the National Career Readiness Certificate.

Through the Pathways2Success Cooperative Education program, Derek was able to recognize that he is capable of a college education and further training.  He gained confidence in himself in both the academic and work settings.  Derek is now on his way to having a long-term career where he will be able to financially support himself and be a contributing member of his community.