New Community Workforce Development Center offers programs that can lead to gainful employment locally and throughout the country. Just ask Mizani Drummond. She completed the patient care technician program and is now happily employed in San Antonio, Texas, all at the age of 22.
Drummond was born and raised in Newark and attended West Side High School. She saw a sign posted at the high school about the various programs offered at the Workforce Development Center and upon graduation enrolled in the home health aide program that was offered. She then returned to complete the patient care technician (PCT) program.
Her interaction with a family member pushed her toward health care.
“I used to take care of my great grandmother before she passed away. That’s what made me want to be in the medical field,” Drummond said.
On April 1, 2016, a month after graduating from the PCT program, Drummond decided to relocate to San Antonio with her fiancée. She said it didn’t take long for her to find a job because the credentials she received are transferable. She just had to show her employer the certificate she earned.
Drummond currently works at a memory care and assisted living facility as a patient care assistant. She assists residents with daily routine tasks as needed, including offering help getting dressed and getting to the bathroom. She also checks vitals and sits and talks with residents at lunch.
She very much enjoys her position. The best part of the job for her is the human interaction.
“During lunchtime, it’s mandatory that we sit with them. That’s my favorite part: listening to their stories that they like to tell us,” she said.
While Drummond believes she would still be in the medical field, she said the Workforce Development Center helped her get to the level where she wanted to be.
“The hands-on part of the program was very helpful. Where I work at, some people don’t even know some of the stuff that I know,” she said.
Aside from the instruction, Drummond said Workforce became like a family to her.
“Some of the people I went to the program with, we talk every day as if we’re still going to the program,” she said. “You can always go back and they’ll assist you with anything else you need help with.”
Workforce Director Rodney Brutton remembers Drummond well and is pleased with her progress.
“The team at New Community Workforce Development Center is extremely proud of Mizani in her personal and professional growth. Her story shows the importance of offering quality occupational skills training that offers industry recognized credentials that are transferable,” he said. “Much credit is extended to our patient care technician instructor, Ms. Falae, who works tirelessly to ensure her students are prepared for the health care industry.”
At the age of 22, Drummond is in a career of her choosing and is getting married April 15, 2018. She credits the Workforce Development Center with helping her achieve her goals.
For more information about Workforce programs and to apply, click here.
Mizani Drummond completed the patient care technician program at the New Community Workforce Development Center and now works as a patient care assistant in an assisted living facility in Texas.
