Husband and wife, Jeremiah and Danielle Lippencott, both gained the knowledge, skills, credentials, and confidence to provide a better future for themselves and their family.
The couple enrolled in separate programs at Portage Lakes Career Center in Uniontown, Ohio. Danielle went first, pursuing a career in nursing through the OTC’s Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) program, while Jeremiah waiting until his wife finished and then enrolled in the Automotive Technology Program.
“When I was growing up in New Philadelphia, I wanted to be a veterinarian,” said Danielle. “ I went to college for awhile but it wasn’t for me. Since 2009, I was a State Tested Nurse Aide (STNA) at nursing homes, home care, and for a geriatric/psych hospital. We’ve been married for three years and share three kids, ages 16, 9, and 3. There was a nursing shortage during the pandemic so it felt like a good time for me to further my education as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). Initially, I started at a school in Canton but I didn’t have a good experience there. I did a search and found PLCC’s LPN program.”
The couple decided that when she finished her nursing program, Jeremiah would start to pursue a career of his own, and PLCC’s auto tech program was the choice for him based on his interests.
“For 20 years, I was known as a backyard mechanic. My intention was to earn my certificate at a local tech school but I’d hit a few bumps in the road and something always got in the way. I worked in a couple of car repair shops but my core business was driving around from repair shops and picking up parts and scrap. I knew what to get, where to find it, who to call, and I even knew how to install it. I had guys from other repair shops calling me for technical advice, but without my auto technician certificate, I wasn’t able to advance in the auto repair industry,” shared Jeremiah.
Based on Danielle’s experience, he realized that PLCC was the only place he’d feel comfortable. When she graduated, he was determined and ready to go.
“The evening classes made it possible for me to work, and. I use the two-hour transition time for family time, errands, and the one-hour drive to PLCC. It’s a lot but my family has kept me going,” he offered. “I plan to open my own repair shop and eventually earn my ASE masters certification.”
Danielle graduated from PLCC in November 2021 and passed her boards in January 2022. She accepted a position as an LPN at Akron Children’s Hospital in New Philadelphia.
“ I think what I bring to the table is a very caring attitude and excellent attention to detail. My goal is to eventually become a registered nurse (RN),” Danielle said.
