UNSCRIPTED: PQC Trains
Unscripted By Keith Edmonds
FWIS Contributing Writer
“Empowering, encouraging and exploring opportunities for individuals with employment barriers....
In today’s edition, I had the opportunity to speak with two representatives from PQC TRAINS regarding the organization’s formation, vision, and the key elements that contribute to its success. PQC supports both high school students and adults by providing job readiness training, career exploration, and continued support once they enter the workforce. During our lunch meeting, Paige Briggs and Alesandre Relue discussed their experiences and motivations for joining this forward-thinking organization. Their insights were highly informative, and I am confident you will find today’s UNSCRIPTED! equally engaging.
UNSCRIPTED: Ladies, welcome to Unscripted and thank you for being a part of this piece. I have to be honest when I say that I was brought to you by a mutual friend and didn’t have much knowledge of who/what PQC was and how this organization impacts our community!
PQC: “Thank you for having us today! We’re excited to share who we are and what we do at PQC and appreciate the opportunity to bring our community into what we do to help/assist young people/adults thrive!”
UNSCRIPTED: To get us started, for our readers’ knowledge, what does PQC mean or stand for?
PQC: “It stands for; Prairie Quest Consulting. Our CEO is highly driven and brings a wealth of innovative ideas to the organization. With a background at NASA, she established PQC upon her retirement with the goal of giving back to the community. As a woman-owned business, PQC offers services to individuals with disabilities and others facing employment barriers throughout Indiana.
UNSCRIPTED: Alesandre I’ll start with you, What peaked your interests and brought you to PQC? Paige, you’ll be next...
(PQC AR): I’m a local graduate from Ivy Tech and was really interested in finding a job in Social Media and Graphic Design and when I found that PQC was looking for someone in this area I jumped at the opportunity! Essentially the marketing piece associated with PQC and how I could get the word out about the wonderful things they were doing in our community!”
(PQC PB): “I have been in the Human Services field for over 35 years now. Most of my work has been in government contracting, but working with people who have learning disabilities has always been a passion of mine. I love the fact that I get to work with people that have a passion for assisting people achieve goals (employment or educational wise) that maybe others thought were unattainable which is what PQC is all about!”
UNSCRIPTED: In doing my research for this piece, I read where the motto of PQC was: “Empowering, encouraging and exploring opportunities for individuals with employment barriers” What specifically does that mean?
(PQC AR): “It can be challenging to help people aged 14-22 with barriers towards find jobs they actually want, rather than jobs others think are easier. At PQC, we work individually with clients to discover their own paths, whether in college, trade school, or other careers—encouraging them to think creatively and achieve what may seem out of reach.”
UNSCRIPTED: One of the services that “peaked” my interest that PQC offers is something called “Vocational Rehab” can you explain what that service means to your clients?
(PQC PB): “Adults seeking employment or job skills can access our free services with a state referral. Once accepted, they receive an individualized plan for success which works well for all involved.”
UNSCRIPTED: So, as I’m understanding what PQC is, I’m thinking that it’s far more than a “job finding” agency but more so its acquiring skills to modify a person’s TOTAL lifestyle, would that be correct?
PQC: “Our main goal is employment, but we also offer free resources to support long-term success and reduce barriers that life may throw at people. We aim to place people in roles where they genuinely want to work, not just in short-term positions.”
UNSCRIPTED: As we bring this to a close, what is it that you would say brings you joy in working for an agency like PQC? And what is one thing or a Fun Fact about you that maybe people don’t know?
(PQC PB): “I take pride in ensuring my team is happy, as their well-being leads to good client service. It’s rewarding when programs run smoothly, everyone returns home safely, and both staff and clients make progress. I also enjoy building new programming and exploring opportunities for our students and adult clients, I often collaborate with a like-minded colleagues on the leadership team to find other ways to make things better! One thing that maybe people don’t know about me is: Although I’m in a leadership position, I’m very introverted in my daily life and like to stay to myself.”
(PQC AR): Most days at PQC are positive for me. I worked hard to be in this role and enjoy doing something artistic daily in my dream field. While there are tough days, I never dread work. Fun fact: I stay busy with many different interests and pursue anything that catches my attention without hesitation.”
ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING PROVIDED:
• Pre-Employment Transition Services
• Vocational Services (Pre-ETS)
• Rehabilitation Services (VR)
Toon Boom Animation Courses
• Beyond ABLE (Commissary Kitchen Program)
PQC TRAINS Contact Info:
4211 Hobson Court (Suite A)
260-420-7374
www.pqctrains.com
Instagram: @pqc_trains)
Facebook: facebook.com/pqctrains/