From Shop Floor to Maintenance & Reliability Professional

In today’s fast-paced world, the desire for continued learning and career growth is stronger than ever. Studies show that 80% of employees want to continue learning while working, yet even with many companies offering tuition and education benefits, only a tiny fraction—less than 2%—take advantage of these programs. Why is that? For many employees, the education benefits and career growth process can be confusing and daunting to navigate—despite their employers' best intentions. That’s where Empowerly steps in, guiding employees through the process and helping them make the most of educational benefits and opportunities for growth at their employer.

Meet Maria, a determined employee who transformed her career with the support of Empowerly and a company education benefit she might have otherwise overlooked. Her story is an inspiring example of how an organization’s investment in Empowerly can build a culture of growth and opportunity.

Maria started on the shop floor of her company, working hard and earning a solid reputation among her peers. But like many, she knew she wanted more. She dreamed of moving up, gaining new skills, and making an even bigger impact on her team and her company. But without clear guidance on how to make this leap, her dreams seemed a bit out of reach.

Then she found out about her employer’s partnership with Empowerly. While she’d known about the company’s tuition benefits, she hadn’t fully understood how they could apply to her role or her career path. For her, the benefits felt like they were meant for people going back to college or pursuing degrees—not for certifications or specialized training. But when Empowerly became available through her workplace, Maria’s outlook changed entirely.

It’s a common story. Many companies offer tuition assistance programs or education benefits, yet utilization rates remain remarkably low. In fact, while over 70% of employers provide these benefits, under 2% of employees take advantage of them. The reasons for this are complex. Some employees may not feel these programs apply to them, while others may find the process intimidating or confusing. There’s also the fear of balancing studies with a full-time job and the uncertainty of how to apply new skills within their current organization.

Empowerly aims to bridge this gap, ensuring employees understand their options and have a clear, manageable path to educational success—just like Maria did.

When Maria heard about Empowerly’s availability through her company, she decided to give it a shot. She scheduled her first meeting with an Empowerly counselor, unsure of what to expect but ready to explore her options. During that session, she shared her dream of gaining new skills and moving beyond the shop floor.

Her counselor helped her map out a plan to utilize her employer’s tuition benefits to pursue a Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) certification, a qualification that could open doors to a more advanced role. For Maria, this was eye-opening—she’d had no idea the education benefit could support a certification that matched her career goals so well.

Once Maria knew that earning her CMRP certification was possible, her Empowerly counselor worked with her to plan the entire process, making sure that each step aligned with her work and personal life. This wasn’t just about coursework; it was about creating a realistic plan that set her up for success without overwhelming her.

1. Building a Customized Education Plan: Together, they designed a program tailored to Maria’s schedule, ensuring she could continue working while studying for her certification.
2. Connecting with HR and Management: Empowerly guided Maria in working with her HR department to clarify the steps she needed to access tuition benefits, submit the required paperwork, and plan for the financial aspect of her certification.
3. Mapping Out Career Goals: The Empowerly counselor worked with Maria to outline how she could apply her certification within the company, helping her envision the potential career growth this certification could bring.
4. Creating a Support System: Empowerly provided Maria with tools, resources, and ongoing guidance to keep her motivated throughout her certification journey.

With each step, Maria felt increasingly confident. She wasn’t just studying for a certification; she was creating a pathway to new opportunities within her company. This wasn’t about starting from scratch or leaving her company to pursue something new. It was about building on what she already knew and growing within an organization she cared about.

After months of dedication, Maria earned her CMRP certification, marking a significant personal achievement. But her journey didn’t end there. With the support of Empowerly and her HR team, Maria began transitioning into a new role that allowed her to put her certification to use. She moved from the shop floor to collaborating with the management team on key projects, troubleshooting equipment, and finding ways to enhance reliability across operations.

This new role brought Maria more than just a change in position; it gave her a newfound sense of accomplishment, opening her eyes to what she could achieve with the right support and resources. And with her confidence growing, Maria’s dreams are growing, too—she’s now setting her sights on further opportunities for advancement.

Maria’s story is a powerful reminder of the potential unlocked when employees can fully utilize their education benefits. Empowerly for Employers offers companies more than a tuition assistance program—it provides a comprehensive support system that ensures employees know how to leverage those benefits and pursue meaningful growth within their roles.

Here’s why Empowerly for Employers makes a difference:

• Boosting Retention and Engagement: When employees see a clear path for growth, they’re more likely to stay with the company, engaged and motivated.
• Building a Talent Pipeline: Empowerly helps companies identify and cultivate talent from within, reducing the need for external hiring.
• Creating a Culture of Opportunity: Employees like Maria feel valued and supported, fostering a positive culture where everyone has a chance to grow and succeed.
• Advancing Equity and Access: By guiding employees through tuition benefits, Empowerly provides equitable opportunities for career advancement, regardless of educational background or role.

For companies offering tuition benefits, Empowerly is a game-changer, ensuring that these valuable resources don’t go unused. Employers who partner with Empowerly send a clear message: “We believe in your growth, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.” This commitment to employee development doesn’t just benefit individuals; it creates a ripple effect that enhances company culture, strengthens loyalty, and builds a workforce of skilled, motivated professionals.

Maria’s story is just one example of the positive change that Empowerly brings to workplaces. For benefits and Learning & Development leaders, adding Empowerly to an existing benefits program means more than just a perk; it means offering employees a real chance at advancement and career fulfillment.

In a world where employees are eager to learn but may not know where to start, Empowerly offers a guiding hand, making educational and career goals attainable and relevant. Empowerly for Employers is more than a benefit; it’s an opportunity to shape a future where employees can grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.

Maria’s journey is an inspiring reminder of what’s possible with the right guidance. Empowerly helped her move from a job she knew well to a career she’s excited about, making the most of her company’s benefits along the way. Imagine how many more employees could reach their potential if they had the same support.