Business owner: Success started with one CareerTech instructor who cared.
L to R: Instructor Cecil Wainscott, CareerTech Director Marcie Mack, business owner William Powell.
THEN: He had lost everything. William Powell was serving a 10-year prison sentence, and in his own words, his life was completely void of any source of pride. Then a former student at Lexington Correctional Center told him about Cecil Wainscott. Powell said the one-on-one guidance he received from the licensed trades instructor transformed his life.
After Powell was accepted into the licensed trades program, he had something he could be proud of. In fact, he had a lot to be proud of. He completed his GED while he was incarcerated and later became a certified unlimited electrical journeyman and contractor.
Powell said the electrical training and his CareerTech experience helped him develop:
- Focus – giving him “the proverbial bullseye” he said he is always looking for.
- Accountability – “It’s not only about me,” he said. “It’s about making everyone around me better.”
- Pride - “Being able to call myself an electrician gave me a drive to succeed,” he said.
Powell said he uses the skills he learned in the CareerTech program on a daily basis.
NOW: William Powell owns his own electrical business, Powell Electric, in Ponca City, Oklahoma. The business is bonded and insured.
Powell said he is blessed beyond measure.
“I have money in the bank, I own a home and vehicles, and I am a pillar in my community,” he said.
