A Vocational Return-To-Work Success Story
Background
“Chris” was a 39-year-old skilled military veteran living in Vermont, trained in aviation maintenance and aeronautics. He was working for a company for just under two years repairing airplane engines, when he suffered a significant shoulder injury after falling off the back of his work vehicle. His injuries resulted in his inability to return to this job, and he was referred to Genex for a vocational assessment, as required by the state of Vermont.
Solution
The Genex vocational case manager (VCM) determined that Chris was entitled to services and began vocational exploration including considering other careers, vocational testing, and vocational counseling. The VCM and Chris set a vocational goal that included short-term retraining in computer-aided design (AutoCAD). Chris completed the program, and the Genex VCM began providing job placement support services. Chris was an active participant, applying for multiple positions during the process.
Outcome
Chris was offered a full-time position as a survey technician at a solar power site, which included company-sponsored training that would earn him a drone pilot’s license. He reported being happy with a position that he would not have considered previously. With the right support and opportunity, people can successfully return to work after an injury. With Genex VCM assistance, Chris was able to complete training and enter a new career much sooner than initially anticipated, and Genex is thrilled to have been part of his journey. The services that Chris received saved his original employer more than $28,000 in avoided litigation and post-placement costs, with an ROI of approximately 1.7 to 1.