Formerly incarcerated and recovering from addiction, Melody overcame significant barriers to find full-time employment as a welder.



DEED Developments










*Pathways to Prosperity client sparks new future*

"Formerly incarcerated and recovering from addiction, Melody overcame significant barriers to find full-time employment as a welder."

Melody was a Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) program participant at the Fergus Falls office of Leading CareerForce partner Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) [ [link removed] ]. Melody was formerly incarcerated and is currently in recovery from addiction; she overcame these significant barriers to employment and is now working full-time and progressing toward her goal of advancing into management at the company. With assistance from the P2P program at RMCEP, funded through the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), Melody graduated from Lynnes Welding Training in Fargo in June 2025 and started work as a welder immediately after graduation.

“Upon finding [RMCEP], this is truly the first time I ever felt hope!” said Melody. “I have a reason to feel good about myself now. I met with my job counselor who informed me of the potential programs I may be eligible for. I told her about my past work experience, and I shared my passion for welding. I used to weld trailers for a couple years. I knew this is what I wanted to do... But there was this huge barrier between myself and my dreams. Money... I had to work two jobs just to barely pay the bills. How would I ever afford school?

“With the program’s help, I was able to enroll in a certified welding course. They helped cover tuition, books and even transportation. It wasn’t easy – there were long days, sore muscles and a steep learning curve – but I stuck with it. I had an instructor who believed in me, and classmates who shared the same drive to build a better life. Welding school didn’t just teach me a trade – it gave me direction, confidence and a career I can build on for life. 

“Getting help to start was the turning point I needed. Now I’m proof that with the right support and hard work, anyone can spark a new future.

“Today, I not only have a stable income, but I also have benefits, a retirement plan and the ability to support my family in ways I never thought possible. I even started saving to open my own mobile welding business one day. I work every day to better myself and have the confidence to follow my dreams.”

DEED and CareerForce partners around the state are ready to help jump start your job search – find your next career, and explore education, training and retraining opportunities at CareerForce.MN.gov [ [link removed] ].

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