Nikia spent most of his adult life incarcerated. In 2022, he enrolled in the Peoria Adult Transition Center (PATC), which connects individuals involved with the justice system with local nonprofits and labor organizations for work force opportunities. Thanks to Nikia’s desire to improve his vocational skills and partnerships with organized labor, Nikia now has a new lease on life.
Nikia earned two associate degrees while at PATC and is now employed with a Midwest- based energy efficiency work force program that places graduates with full-time employment. After completing an “earn to learn” pre-apprenticeship program, Nikia is now working full-time in the energy sector, with a competitive benefits package, and above-average pay compared with the typical salary in the region.
