Billy Carter

My name is Billy Carter, and I’m from Bland, Virginia. With a background in welding and factory work, I knew I needed to expand my skills for better job security, which led me to enroll in Wytheville Community College’s truck driving school and Power Industry Fundamentals class. Through WCC’s Workforce Development office, I was connected to the New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Board, where Crystal, an outstanding navigator, helped me access supportive services. Learning to drive a big rig was challenging, but the instructors were incredibly supportive, and the hands-on training opened up new career paths I hadn’t considered. What kept me motivated was knowing that gaining multiple skilled trades would lead to long-term stability. This experience gave me more confidence, career options, and a brighter future—I’m truly grateful for the opportunity and the people who helped me along the way.

Billy was enrolled in the YouthBuild 24 grant. We were able to support him with foundational training, mileage, work attire, food assistance, and training completion.