How Oklahoma Works by Dynamic Workforce Solutions, helped Ocie rebuild after cancer and job loss

Ocie's back on the road

“I appreciate everything they’ve done. Because I went from nothing to something.”

In his trucker cap and bright high-vis t-shirt, Ocie fights back the tears of gratitude as he talks about the life-changing support he has received from the Oklahoma Works program.

Ocie was already on a tough road after an operation for a suspected hernia turned into a rare cancer diagnosis.

And then he and dozens of other road construction employees were laid off.

He was instantly unemployed and relying on food stamps to get by.

“They cancelled my insurance. They cancelled my unemployment check. So, I was out of work and still ill from cancer,” Ocie recalls.

Following the job losses, Oklahoma Works - delivered by Dynamic Workforce Solutions, part of APM Group – launched the Rapid Response program to help those suddenly out of work.

At their first event, Ocie met Career Navigator Candice, and shared his fears for the future.

“He said ‘I don’t know what I’m doing’. He was lost, and he was mad, which makes sense. And I said, ‘That’s okay’,” Candice said.

Candice wearing a pink blouse and holding papers, and Ocie in a high-visibility yellow vest with a "Caterpillar" cap, engaging in conversation outdoors near a wooden structure and a vehicle.

Taking time to listen to Ocie, understand his needs and learn about his experience, Candice knew how the program could help. Starting with training to regain truck licences that he had previously had to give up.

“So I filled out the application, she sent me to Arbuckle where I graduated Top Dog,” says Ocie with pride.

“The classes are a month, and he graduated a week early,” Candice said.

Despite finishing early in the fully-funded program, Ocie didn’t waste a minute, reaching out to local employer Sham Crews.

“The day I graduated I left there and come talk to Sham Crews. And the next morning I hauled my first load,” Ocie added.

Since starting with the company, employer Sham said he’s seen a big difference in his employee who used to look “down and out”.

“There’s hope and optimism now, where in the beginning it had faded a little bit. So everything’s been a plus,” he said.

Seeing Ocie succeed behind the wheel Candice says she is proud of how far he’s come.

“He pushed through it, he’s still pushing through it and working. And he’s loving it,” she said.

Ocie and Dynamic Workforce Solutions

Ocie's back on the road