Home » Success Stories » No Detours – Just a Dream and a Destination

At just 20 years old, Kassim Muthana dreamed of carving his own path. Living at home with his large family in Hamtramck provided shelter, but it also came with noise and distractions. Kassim sought independence, stability, and a career that would allow him the freedom to build his future. His biggest obstacles were his lack of full-time work experience and the foundational skills needed to get started. But what Kassim did possess was determination—and a clear vision of life behind the wheel as a licensed truck driver.

In August 2024, Kassim visited the SEMCA Michigan Works! Highland Park American Job Center, where he was enrolled in the Youth Program with a heart full of determination. Partnering with his Career Coach, Lisa Sessions, he began exploring CDL training opportunities through Pure Michigan Talent Connect. Together, they connected with Michigan Truck Driving School in Romulus, where Kassim attended an on-site recruiting fair and quickly realized it was the perfect fit. The school offered a hands-on, 160-hour program that he was excited and motivated to pursue.

Kassim was accepted into training in September 2024. Funding covered his tuition, and gas cards helped offset the cost of his 22-mile commute. By January 2025, he proudly earned his Commercial Driver’s License—a huge milestone in his journey.

Graduation, however, brought a new hurdle: most employers required drivers to be at least 21, and Kassim was still only 20. Rather than letting this discourage him, Kassim stayed the course. In April 2025, he celebrated his 21st birthday and interviewed with Werner Trucking just weeks later—a company he had been in contact with during his training—he was hired that same month.

Kassim began his company-sponsored training in May 2025, first in Ohio and then in Atlanta, GA, earning $578/wk as he honed his skills on the road. He completed training in June 2025, stepping into full-time employment with Werner Trucking. Today, he earns an average of $700/week, depending on miles driven, and is gaining valuable experience as he charts his long-term career path. His immediate goal is to build six months of experience at Werner before transitioning to a local role. Long-term, he plans to earn his HazMat and Tanker certifications to drive gasoline trucks.

Reflecting on his journey, Kassim shared, “I’m grateful for all the guidance and support I received from SEMCA Michigan Works! and my career coach. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m excited for where the road will take me next.” What began as a dream has become a destination—and Kassim is proving that with determination and the right support, there are no detours on the path to success.