From a GED to Supporting NASA: Marcos Rodriguez’s Career Journey

Marcos Rodriguez wasn’t sure where his career was headed. After dropping out of high school, he was trying to figure out what he wanted to do and what came next. A conversation with his sister eventually led him to Workforce Solutions, where he found support to earn his GED, complete training, and enter the workforce.

Today, Marcos works for KBR Science & Space Solutions, where he supports NASA through his work on astronaut training hardware.

Finding a Place to Start

When Marcos first visited Workforce Solutions, he was looking for direction.

“I didn’t know where I was going. I didn’t know what I wanted to do in life. Just a high school dropout trying to figure out, you know, what I wanted to do in life, who I wanted to be in life.”

His sister had heard about Workforce Solutions and decided to go with him to an office. That visit helped Marcos begin working toward his GED and earning a certificate. After completing his training, he followed up with Workforce Solutions again for help finding employment.

The process moved quickly.

“I actually came out with a certificate and then following back up with Workforce Solutions and having my first job in 10 days.”

That first job gave Marcos an entry point into a trade that would eventually lead to a career he could build on.

Turning a Childhood Dream Into His Work

Marcos’ connection to NASA goes back much further than his current career.

As a child, he attended Gri Elementary School, named after astronaut Virgil I. Grissom. He remembers seeing Apollo-era memorabilia at the school and imagining himself becoming an astronaut someday.

While Marcos did not become an astronaut, his career eventually brought him into work that supports them.

Today, he works on training hardware used by astronauts before extravehicular activities (EVAs). His role allows him to take an idea or drawing and turn it into physical hardware.

He has even had the opportunity to see equipment he worked on being used in NASA’s training pool.

For Marcos, that connection makes his work especially meaningful.

“It’s a very fulfilling, very satisfying, very proud moment to know that, you know, through Workforce, through these programs that are available to everyone… I’ve been able to bring that dream to life that I had as a child to be a part of NASA.”

Building a Different Future

The career Marcos found has also changed what he is able to provide for his family.

Julie Hamilton, Workforce Solutions Gulf Coast Youth Career Advisor with Hire Gulf Coast Youth, said Marcos’ story stood out because Workforce Solutions became a place where he could begin again.

“It was his place to start over.”

For Marcos, the changes extend beyond his work.

“Through Workforce Solutions, I have become a better father, a better provider, a better husband, and ultimately I’m happier in life.”

His career journey began with uncertainty and a visit to a Workforce Solutions office. From there, he earned his GED, received training, entered the workforce, and eventually found himself contributing to NASA’s astronaut training efforts.

Marcos’ experience shows that a career path does not always begin with a clear destination. Sometimes, it begins with finding the right support and taking the first step.

You can watch Marco’s testimony here.

Explore in-demand careers and connect with top employers at upcoming Workforce Solutions hiring events. Register today to secure your spot and access career-building resources.