Juan Saldana had often heard that Proteus offered training opportunities. Truck driving was a job that interested him, and when the work at the packinghouse he worked at was slow, he decided to walk through the doors of the Porterville Service Center.

After completing all his paperwork, Juan was deemed eligible for both DOL/NFJP and Title 1 programs. While he was eligible to have his truck driving class paid for, Juan still had a few barriers to pass to enroll in the program. Ten years prior, Juan was convicted while driving under the influence. Now, he would need special approval from the William M. Maguy School of Education for admission into their school. Juan was also required to pass a school proficiency test for the school because he was a high school dropout. Juan passed the proficiency test, and the school said the ticket was more than ten years old; thus, he was eligible to take the training. These small steps were a significant accomplishment for Juan and motivated him to continue with his plan of getting his Class “A” license.

Juan began his training on October 6, 2022, and completed it on November 22, 2022. During his training, he continued to receive encouragement and assistance with supportive services for transportation and job leads to help with job placement.

Juan's efforts paid off on January 2, 2023, and he secured employment with Knight. Juan continues to work and is proud of meeting his career goal of becoming a Truck Driver. Juan is thankful to his family for the support and to Proteus for the training. Now Juan says his family and friends were right: Proteus gives Farmworkers opportunities and he is proof of it!