A suite of IT classes at Laurel Ridge Workforce Solutions transported Zachary Caudle to a fulfilling and vital career. The 2015 Sherando High School graduate was recently hired by the Virginia Department of Transportation to serve as a systems administrator.
Following his high school graduation, Caudle just “hopped around the warehouses in Winchester,” not really knowing what he wanted to do. He later did some truck driving in the Harrisonburg area.
“The hours sucked,” Caudle said. “I had taken my IT Fundamentals certification here several years ago. My wife convinced me to go back to school. I was going through the Workforce Solutions website one day and watched a bunch of videos trying to find something to get into other than warehousing. My youngest son had just been born, so I was trying to find a career. I quit my job, took a chance and started my journey with certifications.”
Since returning to school about two years ago, he has earned numerous CompTIA certifications, including A+, Network+, Project+, IT Operations Specialist, Security+, and CySA, as well as ITIL and other certifications.
Caudle has enjoyed the instructors he’s had at Laurel Ridge.
“I like Marc Anderson’s teaching style a lot,” he said. “Rafael Caballero would go the extra mile and really help delve into the areas I was lacking in and really made sure I understood the content.”
Having all of his courses covered through FastForward and G3 funding made returning to school even easier. Right after earning his A+, he started working with an IT help desk for regional clients, handling hardware refreshes, onboarding, network servicing and more.
Caudle joined VDOT after his resume was spotted on LinkedIn by a recruiter.
“It was right what I wanted to do and I couldn’t pass it up,” said Caudle. “I’m a systems administrator for VDOT’s operations technology division. All of the cameras down Interstate 81 from Rockbridge County to Frederick County, if they go offline, I troubleshoot them and support the signal technicians to get them back online.
“It’s really neat – the whole operations technology side of things is a lot different from what I was used to, but, I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m happy with where I am. The people are awesome. The job’s really fulfilling.”
Before returning to get his IT certifications, Caudle, who now lives in Elkton, was making good money, but working 80-90 hours a week with rotating shifts. He has noticed a huge change in his job satisfaction.
“I like my brain being challenged,” he said. “I like the constant problem solving. It’s crazy to see if you just put your head down and really want something how quickly you can attain your goals at Laurel Ridge. It wouldn’t have been possible without this place. It changed my life.”
This fall, Caudle will return to Workforce Solutions to do his CompTIA Server+ certification. Additionally, he is pursuing his bachelor’s degree in cloud computing from Western Governors University.
“My goal is to become a cloud solutions architect,” Caudle said.
He added he might even pursue his master’s degree.
Learn more about CompTIA courses at Laurel Ridge at laurelridge.edu/comptia.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.