Ketzal Yellman

For many aspiring professionals, the hardest barrier to break through isn’t always the complex material—it’s the lack of field experience. 

Before finding Per Scholas, Ketzal Yellman was stuck in that exact loop. He was working hard toward a degree in Engineering Technology, but despite his academic drive, the job market felt out of reach.

“I was a good candidate for entry-level jobs in tech,” Ketzal recalls. “But I wasn’t able to get anyone to even give me an interview because I had no tech job experience.”

Unemployed and looking to break into a technical field, Ketzal was browsing LinkedIn when he saw a posting for a no-cost, hands-on training program powered by Per Scholas in partnership with TEKsystems. Recognizing it as the perfect opportunity into the specialized world of digital infrastructure, he quickly enrolled.

Walking into the Per Scholas classroom, Ketzal found a community of peers who shared his drive. The collaborative environment and collective focus on hands-on lab work quickly became highlights of his training journey.

“It was great to meet other classmates from different backgrounds who were all pursuing careers in tech and then work together through the class with hands-on learning and testing.”

The multi-week program provided rigorous technical training focused directly on the low-voltage industry, alongside essential professional skills. Ketzal practiced critical workplace habits, such as punctuality, daily, and learned to collaborate effectively during intense hardware and wiring labs.

The curriculum focused heavily on low-voltage fundamentals—even bringing in a guest speaker to cover vital physical trade techniques such as wire fishing through walls and conduits. 

Inspired by the momentum and infrastructure resources provided by Per Scholas, Ketzal also self-studied for his CompTIA certifications, ultimately earning both his A+ and Network+ credentials to master the software side of network infrastructure.

When Ketzal hit the job market after graduation, his physical lab experience immediately set him apart from other IT applicants.

“When I started out, people were impressed that I already knew how to terminate RJ45 connections and had a good understanding of IP addressing because of my time at Per Scholas,” he notes.

Transitioning from a controlled classroom lab to live commercial and residential job sites taught Ketzal a brand-new skill: field resourcefulness.

“The biggest difference was that to succeed as a security technician took a lot of learning about the technology of security systems and knowing how to find answers yourself,” Ketzal explains.

Thanks to Per Scholas’s strong partnership with TEKsystems, Ketzal landed a steady stream of valuable contract roles right out of the gate—first a 5-month contract with Everon, followed by a year-long contract with Guardian Protection. He credits TEKsystems as an invaluable support in navigating the competitive low-voltage industry early in his career.

Today, Ketzal has transitioned into a full-time role as a Senior Systems Technician at Vector Security.

On a standard workday, Ketzal handles service calls in residential and small-business environments. He is the ultimate low-voltage problem solver, upgrading, wiring, and troubleshooting security, camera, and fire systems. 

Whether he’s diagnosing faulty low-voltage copper wiring, fishing wire through a tough frame, optimizing Wi-Fi routing for wireless cameras, or replacing wireless sensors, he uses his Per Scholas training every single day.

“My life has completely changed,” Ketzal reflects. “I went from being a learner struggling to pay for community college to having a well-paying job. I now have a job that I enjoy going to because it gives me an opportunity to learn and challenge myself.”

Beyond financial stability, the program has enabled Ketzal to become fully self-sufficient, giving him the foundation to dream bigger for his family and community. 

“It’s empowering. The training lets learners feel like they belong in the industry and have what it takes to succeed. I would recommend anyone to enroll if they have any interest in starting a career.”

Ketzal has big plans for the future, which include developing his skills at Vector Security, with an eye toward eventually resuming his college education to pursue roles in advanced technology or engineering. One thing is certain: wherever the future takes him, Ketzal now has the connections—and the wiring—to succeed.