Portsmouth Residents:

"I was referred to the Portsmouth@Work Center by a friend and after working with a Workforce Development Specialist, I decided to enroll in Advanced Technology Institute (ATI) 6-week Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training program. ATI assisted me with employment opportunities and with their efforts along with the help of a friend I was able to gain full-time employment with Shoreland, hauling seafood. I am happy with the overall training experience and am now looking to help others take advantage of the training programs that are available through the Portsmouth@Work Center."

"Portsmouth@Work Center gave me my first break into the medical profession. After completion of the program, I received employment."

"I heard about the Portsmouth@Work Center through a friend and after my orientation session was completed, I enrolled into 160 Driving Academy's Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training program. This training program allowed me to attend classes in the evening and go at my own pace which was very helpful. Successful completion of this training program led me to pass DMV's CDL assessment on the first try, resulting in my class A Commercial Driver's license. 160 Driving Academy did offer me employment assistance, but I received a $3 raise at my current employer, Norfolk Truck Center, so as a result, I have been able to utilize my CDL training at work. My overall experience was phenomenal, and I feel lucky to have found this opportunity through the Portsmouth@Work Center."

"I would like to thank the Portsmouth@Work Center for helping me achieve a career goal that I have always wanted to achieve, which was to obtain my Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Class A endorsement. I attended 160 Driving Academy for a total of 174 hours and by completing this training, I was also able to obtain my Tanker endorsement. I am thankful to the Excel Campus for the referral that led me to the Portsmouth@Work Center. This is one major goal that I have achieved, so if your goal is to achieve your CDL Class A endorsement, then I suggest that you reach out to the Portsmouth@Work Center. Portsmouth@Work, the City of Portsmouth's Workforce Development Initiative, will save you money and the hassle. If you or anyone that you know are interested in going back to school go to the Portsmouth@Work Center for assistance."

"I would like to thank Portsmouth@Work for helping me accomplish one of my lifelong goals of obtaining my Commercial Drivers License (CDL). 160 Driving Academy was cool, the trainers: John, Jermale, and Tasha gave me the necessary tools that I needed to successfully pass the driving test at DMV. Overall, I would recommend anyone who is trying to get their endorsement to come through Portsmouth@Work and Ms. Sonja Briggs was very helpful."

"I was referred to the Portsmouth@Work Center by a friend and I cane in looking to gain employment, but after inquiring about employment opportunities, I was informed by Ms. Briggs about the Commercial Drivers License (CDL) training that was available. This inspired me to further my education. 160 Driving Academy's CDL training program is a great opportunity to gain meaningful and profitable employment. My goal is to use my certification so that I can drive for Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) or any local transportation company."

"I was referred to the Portsmouth@Work center by a friend, so I contacted Ms. Briggs, who is just as dedicated as I was, about getting my Commercial Drivers License (CDL). It took a lot of patience and dedication for me to overcome all the challenges that came with taking this training, but with assistance from my instructors at 160 Driving Academy, who held me accountable, I was able to obtain my license."

"I would like to thank Ms. Briggs at Portsmouth@Work for taking the time to help me achieve my lifelong dream and Mr. Carl and Tee at 160 Driving Academy for helping me become the first female truck driver in my family. 160 Driving Academy is the place to go! "

"160 Driving Academy was amazing, the trainers: John, Jermale, Saniyah, Jorge, Tasha, and Tee gave me the necessary tools that I needed to successfully pass the driving test at DMV. Ten out of ten, I would recommend 160 Driving Academy and Portsmouth@Work to anyone who is trying to get their Commercial Drivers License (CDL). Speak with Sonja Briggs, she is great to talk to and she will get you straight!"

"I had a good experience at the Virginia Beach Adult Learning Center (ALC) in their Medical Administrative Assistant training program. I learned a lot, the class size was small, we helped each other with our assignments and had fun while doing it. Mrs. Thompson was great, very knowledgeable about the medical field and she was able to provide us with scenarios of potential interactions in the workplace. Ten out of ten I would highly recommend Virginia Beach Adult Learning Center and Portsmouth@Work if you want to start a new career in the medical field."

"I would like to thank Jorge and Tasha for taking the time to explain the Commercial Driving
License (CDL) information to me and for physically assisting me with different tips that really
helped me learn the skills that I needed to be successful. The class was like a family, we all
helped each other reach our goal of becoming better drivers so that we could pass the test at
DMV. I would recommend 160 Driving Academy and the Portsmouth@Work Center to
anyone who has the desire to obtain their CDL." 

"I had a positive experience at the Virginia Beach Adult Learning Center (ALC) in their Medical
Administrative Assistant training program. I learned a lot and enjoyed the small class size, where we
collaborated on assignments and had fun while doing it. Our instructor Ms. Thompson was very
knowledgeable. If you’re looking to start a new career path, I highly suggest Portsmouth@Work."

"I was referred to the Portsmouth@Work Center by a friend, so I contacted Ms. Briggs to tell her
just how committed I was about getting my Commercial Driving License (CDL). It took a lot of
patience and dedication for me to overcome all the challenges that came with taking this training
but with assistance from my instructors at 160 Driving Academy, I was able to successfully
obtain my CDL license. I would like to thank 160 Driving Academy for this training because it
is going to take me to the next level of my career. I would recommend anyone in the city of
Portsmouth to the Portsmouth@Work Center."

"After graduating from high school, I was unsure about what I wanted to do. I tried the shipyard first but that did not work out and after talking to my Mom, she told me that she always wanted to be a Merchant Seaman, so I decided to choose that path as well. The class was great, there were a lot of male figures to look up to, learning to swim, putting out fires, a finding out about the different positions that are available, are just some of the highlights. Ms. Sonja took a chance on me, and Mr. Ron helped me so much, especially with the tips on how to invest. I believe that by completing the Mariner’s Bootcamp I am creating a great future for myself, and I would recommend this training for anyone who is looking for a guided career path."

"I was going through a trying time with changing career paths after I found out that my current employer was closing. I decided to choose the Maritime Industry and Mr. Ron referred me to Ms. Sonja at the Portsmouth@Work Center. Without turning a blind eye, she jumped right in and assisted me in ways that I highly appreciate. I would recommend the Maritime Institute because they are very patient, they will not let you fail, and it’s just a great career path. The best part was that I was able to experience this training with my child. Thank you for the opportunity!"

"My experience with 160 Driving Academy included some highs and some lows but overall, they were patient with me and worked with me to help me reach my goals. They understand that life happens, and they still worked around all of the bumps in the road. During the course of my training the laws for the behind the wheel test changed and I found out that 160 Driving Academy had the first person to pass the new maneuvers out of 26 people, which really speaks to their commitment to their students. Mr. Tee and Carl took the time to help me gain the knowledge and insight which led me to obtain my Commercial Driving License (CDL). It has been a long journey, but I would not take it back. Thank you to 160 Driving Academy and the Portsmouth@Work Center for helping me to start my new career as a truck driver."