Airplane mechanic builds career with Financial Mentoring Program

	Renée Taylor (right), of Pacific Associates worked with Working Wheels client Sisenando Cabezas Jr. (left) to help him reach his career goals.

Two years ago, Sisenando Cabezas Jr. found himself working a full-time job that did not match his interests or his skills. 

With a shift starting at 4 am and a 20-mile round-trip commute, Sisenando couldn’t rely on public transportation to get to work - but he didn’t own a car, either. 

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

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

Having the car helped Cabezas get to work, run errands and see his family more easily. But the best was yet to come for Cabezas, thanks to Port Jobs' new Financial Mentoring Program (FMP), created with support from the National Endowment for Financial Education ®.

Action plan leads to success
Through FMP, Working Wheels car owners work one-on-one with a financial mentor to develop individualized action plans to meet their personal and financial goals, from paying off debt to buying a home. 

Cabezas already had excellent money management skills, so he decided to focus on his most important goal - to work as an aircraft mechanic. "It is my passion to work as an aircraft mechanic – a field in which I am knowledgeable, skilled and experienced," says Cabezas.

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 the certification required to work as an airplane mechanic in the United States, taking a job as an aircraft fueler instead.

Cabezas began working with financial mentor Renée Taylor, an employment specialist with Pacific Associates. Through Pacific Associates’ Adult Workforce Investment Act program, he received financial assistance for training materials and exam fees for the Airframe and Powerplant (A & P) Aircraft Mechanic exam. In addition, Cabezas received ongoing support, guidance and encouragement from Renée.

Cabezas' career now ready for takeoff
Cabezas’ hard work and dedication paid off. He recently passed the A&P Mechanic exam and is now certified to work as an airplane mechanic, where he can earn up to $28.00 per hour. 

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, “will be to see Sisenando realize his dream of securing employment as an A&P Mechanic, and achieve his long-term goals.” 

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