Keith Jensen is a 19-year-old high school dropout who bounced from couch to couch the past two years, when what he really wanted was his GED and a job.

Reba Elson, a workforce consultant at the Idaho Department of Labor, helped Keith assess his skills and found he was ready to take the GED tests. He had no transportation so his case manager purchased a one-month pass with Treasure Valley Transit so Keith could go to the GED testing location and start his job search.

Reba mentioned during a staff meeting that Keith tested well on the math portion of his GED. Another staff member heard a local precision machine parts company was looking for an applicant who was good with decimals. Reba contacted Keith and the employer about the possibility of on-the-job-training and the employer agreed to an interview.

Keith got the job and even though he had to walk 3 miles to get to work from where he was living at the time, he was never late.

Two months later, Keith was able to rent a small home with a refrigerator, futon, coffee table and TV. He is still walking to work, but is saving to buy a car.

Seven months later: Keith still loves his job and the employer states he has not missed one day of work, does not need much supervision and gets along well with everyone.

“If you are looking for a job or need help getting a job, the Department of Labor is the place to go,” Keith said.

Are you between the ages of 14-21 and need help with your education plan or job search? We have several federally funded Workforce Investment Act programs that are designed to help eligible youth achieve academic and employment success. Services are designed to meet the needs of students, high school graduates, dropouts, and others in need of employment and training.

Check out our directory of local offices to find an office in your area.