Wallace McCowan was selected to be featured in a statewide Workforce Equity Initiative (WEI) spotlight. Brandon Lewis, WEI program navigator, interviewed McCowan and took his photo for the spotlight. McCowan, 57, owned his own bricklaying company in Florida until 2019. After moving to Springfield, he joined the WEI at LLCC and chose the welding program. He admits he had times of doubt, not knowing if he was capable of continuing, but always kept a positive attitude. “This (program) is hard but you don’t run away … you have to challenge it, go at it,” says McCowan. He graduated with three stackable certifications: basic multi-practice, intermediate level and shielded metal arc welding. He was employed after graduation but unfortunately laid off due to pandemic issues. With extra time on his hands, he decided to reenroll and is now progressing toward advanced-level welding certifications. “I want to learn how to do the work because this is a good trade; once you get it, you will be set,” says McCowan.