Alice Mountz is a middle-aged woman who is seeking to make her dreams of working with heavy equipment come true. The Lifelong Learning Center in Pottsville has put her on the path to meeting her goal. Since 2017, Mountz has taken steps to finish her education and go on to train with heavy equipment. As of June 2018, she is ready to take the next step with finding employment and finishing her objective.
Mountz sought help from the Lifelong Learning Center and began working toward her General Equivalency Diploma (GED) in July 2017. Kim Sutter from the Lifelong Learning Center in Pottsville explained that when someone comes to them for help they find out what their goals are first. Then, they work on the steps needed to reach those goals.
Many of the students that are seeking to obtain a GED, from the Lifelong Learning Center, are in their twenties or thirties. However, it is not uncommon for people in their forties or fifties to finish their education also. In today’s job market, most places require a high school diploma or equivalent from people seeking employment. It is becoming more difficult for the older generation without a high school diploma to find employment.
Sutter noted that, “now that the job market seems to be opening up…We do see an older population.”
Sutter explained how dedicated Mountz was toward her education. She indicated that when Mountz struggled with subjects she did not become defeated, but persevered. In addition to working on her GED, Mountz became an inspiration and motivator to her younger classmates.
According to Sutter, “she encouraged the younger people in the class. She was really well liked. For the younger ones who didn’t have a car, she was picking them up.”
Mountz received her GED on April 10 and began her Heavy Equipment training on April 16, through the Schuylkill Technology Center in Frackville. She received her heavy equipement certification on June 28.
When asked why Mountz wanted to work with Heavy Equipment she reported, “I’m not sure how old I was, or what made me want to do that, but I never lost that passion to do it. I wanted to drive bulldozers and dump trucks.”
Mountz spoke about the importance of continuing to learn despite age. She has also obtained other certificates for related positions, such as flagging. Mountz eagerly waits to take the final step toward reaching her goal and find employment working with heavy equipment. At 55 years old, it seems like nothing will get in the way of her achieving her dream.
Mountz said, “I learn fast and I’m not afraid to do it. I’m not afraid of hard work. I just need the opportunity.”