Prior to coming to Goodwill North Central Texas, Zayvian was working full-time as an Order Selector in the fast-paced warehouse of a major trucking company. While there, he was exposed to truck drivers and their daily routine of loading and unloading their trailers on the docks. Enticed by the opportunities, work ethic, and professionalism, Zayvian took interest in a career as a professional truck driver.
Zayvian had many doubts about the process, but constant encouragement and support from his fiancé and family led to his decision to enroll in training. He was already familiar with the North Texas Institute for Career Development’s (NTI) CDL Truck Driver Training Program through a close family friend who was a graduate.
Upon enrollment in June 2021, Zayvian’s doubts plagued him. “My biggest barrier was actually before I even started the program, it was my own self-doubt,” he said. “I was holding myself back thinking I couldn’t achieve this goal.”
His fears were unfounded – Zayvian became one of the top CDL students in his class. And, he took advantage of all NTI services: JRT, resume writing, Goodwill job fairs, and job search platform tools provided by the Indeed & Goodwill partnership. Zayvian completed the program on September 28, 2021, and within days of earning his Class A CDL and with support from job placement services he had several job offers lined up.
Zayvian accepted his first professional driver position with a Goodwill business partner, choosing to be an OTR (over the road) Team driver. After being on the road for more than four months and receiving great work experience, the next step was to seek local driver opportunities which would allow him to be close to his family. In Mach 2022, Zayvian joined the dynamic transportation team at Sunset Logistics, Inc in a position that allows for more work/life.
When asked what he’d say to those considering a new career, he said “Just remember, if you have a thought in your head that you can do something, that’s because you really can do it! Don’t give up on your goals and dreams.”