Road to Success Bring Guatemalan Immigrant to Tri-C

Williams Hernandez built English-speaking skills, earned auto maintenance certificate from the College

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C^®) provided automotive technician Williams Hernandez with the tools to succeed in the United States after he left Guatemala three years ago in search of new opportunities.

Hernandez spent a year advancing through Tri-C’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program after moving to Cleveland. He found support along the way from the College’s Hispanic Council.

After polishing his English speaking skills, Hernandez enrolled in the Automotive Technology program to build on skills that had him working as a Toyota technician in Guatemala.

Hernandez progressed through his studies with help from the College’s Advanced Technology Academy (ATA). The workforce-driven program is designed to guide young adults into high-demand careers.

He earned a short-term certificate in automotive maintenance from Tri-C in 2020 and — with the help of ATA ­ — acquired tools to use on the job.

Hernandez recently began working at Sunnyside Toyota in North Olmsted. His story was recently featured by La Prensa, the oldest and largest Latino newspaper circulating in Ohio and Michigan.

February 17, 2021

John Horton, 216-987-4281 john.horton@tri-c.edu