After spending 13 years at the same company, Boris Kaderkulof never imagined he’d find himself suddenly laid off. He had built a career in IT, but as he began searching for a new job, he quickly realized the industry had evolved. Younger candidates with modern skills and updated resumes filled the hiring pool, making his search more challenging.
Feeling the need to sharpen his expertise and adapt to the shifting job landscape, Boris learned about Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont’s tuition-free IT training programs through a friend. A quick visit to Goodwill’s website introduced him to the Data Analytics program, and he saw an opportunity to enhance his skills and boost his chances in the job market.
“I saw that the program had a strong database component, which interested me, but what really caught my attention was the chance to learn Python,” Boris said. “I had always wanted to get into programming but never had the opportunity. Learning Python was a priority for me, and this program helped me get started.”
During his time in the program, Boris worked with Career Navigators and Employer Engagement Specialists like David Washam and Craig Kalhagen, who provided critical support in resume building, interview preparation and job search strategies. These additional wraparound services, provided free of charge, help participants in their job search.
“That guidance was really important,” Boris said. “After not job searching for over a decade, the process had completely changed. Craig was incredibly invested in helping me find the right opportunity—he went above and beyond.”
With the new skills and confidence he gained through Goodwill’s training program, Boris secured a position at Atrium Health as an application engineer. In his new role, he ensures seamless connectivity across Atrium Health’s offices, supports remote employees and plays an integral part in building the network infrastructure for the new Atrium Health hospital in Cornelius.
“They trusted me with this major project right away,” Boris said. “Getting to build everything from scratch and work on something of this scale has been an incredible opportunity.”
Beyond newfound career stability, Boris has gained a renewed sense of confidence in his abilities and professional future. The stability of his new job has brought security to his family—his wife and two daughters—while allowing him to thrive in his field.
“I feel so grateful,” Boris said. “I had never even heard of programs like this before, and knowing that Goodwill offers these opportunities because of donations and community support—it really makes a difference. This program gave me the foundation I needed to advance my career.”
Thanks to generous donations and shopping at Goodwill’s 36 retail stores and more than 40 donation sites, tuition-free training programs like the one Boris completed continue to impact lives across the Charlotte region. If you or someone you know would like to support these programs and help more people build a pathway to prosperity, consider donating gently used items or making a financial contribution.
