2. Vocational Rehabilitation
3. Consumer Success Stories
4. Emma's Story

From welding to electrical engineering: Green Bay-area resident lands new career following back injury

Post-secondary education degree funded in part through federal Career Pathways Advancement grant

By late 2021, the future was looking bright for Emma Richert. She had discovered a passion for automotive electrical work and earned an associate degree in Applied Science, and a certificate in welding. Hoping to enter an apprenticeship, Emma joined the local International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers union and began working as a cable contractor. But that all changed nearly six months later, on April 14, 2022—the day she accidentally fell from a truck and suffered a serious back injury.

In June 2022, three months after the fall, she was denied an apprenticeship because she couldn’t complete required tasks with her injury.

Emma was also working toward earning her commercial driver's license (CDL) while at work. But after the fall, she could not drive more than three hours at a time and could no longer complete the CDL program.

Workers' compensation became necessary and there were imminent, permanent work restrictions. It was time to pivot.

Before the incident, Emma hadn’t worked with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), but she heard about it through a worker’s compensation attorney. After learning about the program, she reached out and was deemed eligible for services, which included counseling and guidance to determine an appropriate employment goal. Together with her vocational rehabilitation counselor, Jennifer Stauss, Emma decided to return to school and become an engineer.

By September 2022, Emma was enrolled in the electrical engineering program at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Partial funding for her post-secondary education was awarded through the U.S. Department of Education Career Pathways Advancement grant – a $20.1 million grant that assisted over 1,000 qualifying individuals in Wisconsin with physical or mental disabilities. The grant supported individuals like Emma, who qualified for DVR services, and who were pursuing careers in high-demand industries specific to healthcare, digital or information technology, construction, or manufacturing.

When asked what she would like others to know about working with DVR, Emma replied, "All their paperwork is at the beginning and at the end; all you have to do during schooling is show off your grades."

While finishing her college degree, she applied for and obtained an internship with a local engineering and architectural firm, EUA. In January 2026, Emma earned her bachelor's degree and was hired by the firm, where she currently works as a project assistant designing the electrical elements of buildings.

"After watching Emma progress through her journey over the years, my favorite day of working with her was when I was able to congratulate her for completing her degree and securing employment in the field," said Jennifer. "She is a great example of perseverance and grit."

Looking back, Emma recalls that DVR positively impacted her current role at EUA by helping her focus solely on schooling.

The future continues to shine brightly for Emma. "My next step would be to take my fundamentals exam to start the process of getting my engineering stamp," she said.

When she's not working, Emma enjoys spending time with her new husband. "I have also continued painting, and learned sewing for my larping,” she said. “Otherwise, it's also the typical video games, card games, and comics."

Her advice for others who face an imminent career pivot?

"I am stubborn, not inspired," she said. "Be stubborn."