08 May Stories of Inspiration: Derek Murphy Finds a New Path Behind the Wheel
Derek Murphy had a lifelong dream of obtaining his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). However, his ambitions were temporarily sidelined by a selfless commitment to his family. Derek enrolled in the NCWorks Adult program in October 2025, but his aunt fell ill and he put his own life on hold to become her full-time caretaker. During this period, Derek faced significant personal barriers, including being without phone or computer access, which made it impossible for him to maintain contact with his career coach.
Once his aunt’s health stabilized, Derek immediately got back on track working towards his future goals. After securing a new phone and temporary housing with a friend, he reached out to Charlotte Works. That’s when Charlotte Works was able to help by offering Derek the opportunity to receive his CDL training through Transtech, thanks to ARPA funding and administered by the City of Charlotte.
When Derek received the news on February 11, 2026, that he was approved to start his training, his reaction was one of pure gratitude. “Mr. Greer, you don’t know how much I appreciate this,” Derek said. “Man, I’m about to cry. I’ve been wanting to do this since I was a little kid.”
By the time Derek began his training on February 16, 2026, it was clear that this was more than just a job placement; it was a renewal of hope. With the support of Charlotte Works, Derek was empowered to turn a childhood dream into a reality and a sustainable career. Derek’s journey is a powerful reminder of our mission that when dedicated individuals are connected with the right resources, it provides a pathway to a better life and strengthens the region’s workforce for years to come.