02 Jun A New Direction with Purpose: Edison’s Journey into Phlebotomy
You never know where you’ll meet someone working in the trades. For Edison, that meeting happened at a Red Cross blood drive. As he carefully prepared for the donation, he shared his story — and how an unexpected opportunity helped him discover a meaningful career in phlebotomy.
Before becoming a phlebotomist, Edison worked as a hotel valet. But when the pandemic hit, the hospitality industry came to a halt. Like many others, he found himself out of work and searching for a new direction. That’s when he came across a job posting for a driver position at the Red Cross. He applied, was hired, and soon learned that the organization would also train him to become a phlebotomist — the skilled professional responsible for collecting blood donations.
Training for a Career That Matters
Edison completed his training at the Red Cross, gaining the skills and confidence to not only transport supplies and equipment but also draw blood safely and compassionately. This cross-trained role gave him more than just a job — it gave him a career with stability, benefits, and purpose.
Today, Edison is full-time with opportunities for overtime. He travels to different communities and plays a direct role in saving lives by collecting blood donations that hospitals rely on. He’s proud of the impact he makes every day.
As he put it,
“Not every hero wears a cape.”
Finding Fulfillment in the Trades
Edison’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t need a college degree or a perfect plan to find a career you love. Sometimes, a single opportunity — paired with a willingness to learn — can change your path completely. Edison’s work in health care shows that skilled trades can be life-changing not only for those receiving help, but for those offering it.
Ready to Explore Your Future?
If you’re curious about trade careers like phlebotomy and want to explore which path might be right for you, we’ve put together a fun worksheet to help you get started.
Download the worksheet here and start exploring your future in the trades.