Hands-On, Head-On: Dakota’s Path to a Career with Purpose
Dakota was tired of dead-end jobs. He knew he wanted more: something stable, hands-on, and meaningful. That search led him to the HVAC program at ICC, where he’s now on track to complete the residential installer portion of his training and building a career with purpose.
“I was just trying to figure out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life instead of continuing to work at dead-end minimum wage jobs,” he said.
Dakota first connected with ICC through the Workforce Empowerment Initiative (WEI), a program designed to remove barriers to education. He initially entered the IT program and completed the CompTIA Fundamentals certificate but quickly realized IT wasn’t the right fit for him.
“I just can’t stand sitting at a computer for hours on end,” he said. He wanted something more physical, and HVAC clicked. “I like to work with my hands, and you’re not surrounded by a bunch of people you have to work with.” ICC made this transition smooth and seamless. WEI made the path accessible.
It just made sense to be able to learn a skilled trade like HVAC and get paid to learn it.
Dakota, ICC Student
Dakota says the real difference-maker has been the people at ICC. “Even if I’m struggling with something on a day-to-day basis, I’m able to talk to my professors. They’re very hands-on, and I love it.” He specifically credits Instructor Lowell Edwards for helping him stay focused and motivated: “His constant reminder is to keep putting your best foot forward. Take it slow and keep moving.”
Now, Dakota is preparing to step into a full-time role as a residential installer. He plans to return to ICC for commercial HVAC training and eventually complete his associate degree so he can open his own company.
His advice for other students is simple but powerful: “Study. Keep your mind busy. If you can just sit down and study, you can get through about anything.”