Lotus Dodson-Cartier arrived at Red Rock Job Corps Center from Philadelphia in August 2016, and quickly acclimated to her vocation. She already obtained a high school diploma, so she was able to devote her time to Auto Technology.
She was a mentor to her classmates, and a role model across Center. She was a serious student, but also enjoyed people. Lotus assisted the community by participating in many community service trips to area food pantries and other events.
Lotus graduated from Red Rock in April 2017 and transferred to the United Auto Workers Advanced Toyota 10 program at Clearfield Job Corps Center in Clearfield, UT.
Her instructors at Clearfield say that Lotus worked hard in her Toyota training and excelled in her classes. While enrolled in the AT Program, she passed three ASE certification exams, and successfully completed internships at two local Toyota dealerships. Lotus graduated advanced training earlier this year, and is currently employed as a Line Tech Apprentice at Big Horn Toyota in Glenwood Springs, CO.
Bob Beck, Clearfield JCC Toyota 10 advanced training coordinator says, “Lotus was a great student and is a gifted singer, writer and technician. Lotus really enjoys her new job and she is on schedule to become a Master Diagnostic Technician in a short time.”
She thanks the staff at Red Rock and UAW for her success!

Artia Pittman pictured with the nurse practitioner in Dr. Kahwash’s office also of Kanawha Endocrinology through Thomas Memorial Hospital has been assigned to the work-based site since October 28, 2019. Artia checks in, organizes, and documents the medications on site each day she works.  Additionally, she assists with managing patient files, checking in patients, discharge orders, and prepping exam rooms. Artia trains at the site three days a week and works on billing and coding at Charleston Job Corps Center the remainder of the week.  Artia is a completer of the Medical office Support trade and has aspirations to further her training in the medical field.  The site supervisor, Beth Branner, reports Artia has become a valuable member of their team and, upon completion of her training with Charleston Job Corps, would be happy to offer her employment through Kanawha Endocrinology & Associates.   Way to go Artia!

Charleston Job Corps students on assignment for Work Based Learning as a part of the career and technical training provided through the Job Corps program. Students are able to gain on the job training and experience through working with community organizations through our Work Based Learning Initiatives.

Evonna is  a medical office support trainee.  She is looking forward to furthering her training with billing and coding upon completion of the Medical Office Support trade.  Evonna works in Dr. Guyer’s office three days a week and reports she is learning a lot that will serve her well professionally.   Evonna’s responsibilities in the office include checking in medications that patients bring to their appointments, organizing/managing patient files, and preparing examination rooms with the proper materials.  Site supervisor reports, Evonna shows a lot of enthusiasm for her work and is extremely helpful to the office.

Evonna Johnson pictured managing the front check-in window of Dr. Guyer’s office

MTC L.A Job Corp Center Director, Deputy Director, Business&Community Liaison with Workforce Council Members from L.A Trade Technical College

In November of 2019, MTC Los Angeles Job Corps hosted their first Industry Council meeting, now known as the Workforce Council meeting, where community partners were invited on center as part of the new operator’s efforts for the center. The successful launch meeting was well attended despite the heavy rain & hail that occurred that morning.

Attendees included representatives from the following organizations:

AppleOne, Los AngelesTrade Tech College, Cisco Academy, CVS Pharmacy, Keck Medicine of USC, Los Angeles Harbor College, Goodwill and the County of Los Angeles Workforce Development, Aging & Community Services.

Staff had the pleasure of showcasing the variety of vocations and opportunities there are to work with the community to enhance technical training with labor market data. Like any center, they know how important it is to provide up to date training for students joining a competitive workforce. This meeting is now opening the doors for more community resources to join MTC L.A Job Corps in enhancing their vocations, offer more internships/apprenticeships, and increase their job placements for all of their students. Job Corps works and so do their staff when helping their students Succeed!

MTC L.A Job Corps's Business & Community Liaison presented CRC Member Tim Gregory with a Certificate from the Mayor's Office.

CRC attendees hear updates on initiatives and insights on the work MTC LA Job Corps produces.

MTC Los Angeles Job hosted it’s second Community Relations Council meeting on December 4, 2019. Despite the heavy rains, community members came out and enjoyed good food in good company for all the right reasons. This center’s Business & Community Liaison also believes in recognizing leaders in the community for all the right reasons.

This month, Starbucks Manager Tim Gregory was presented a Certificate of Recognition from the City of Los Angeles Mayor’s Office. Tim is an exemplary CRC member because he understands the population that Job Corps serves and believes in exhibiting good communication, patience, and leadership when working with our center.

People like Tim make it easier for staff to provide the proper guidance students need because he willing and proactive about communicating feedback that our center can benefit from. All of the center staff also appreciate Tim because he maintains a positive and humble attitude.

Attendees included: Women In Tech International, Para Los Ninos, San Francisco Federal Reserve Bank-L.A Branch, U.S Army, Office of Congressmember Karen Member, City of L.A’s Office of Mayor Garcetti, Office of L.A County Supervisor Hilda Solis, Crystal Stairs Inc., Community Career Development,Inc.-Wilshire-Metro AJCC, Hollywood WorkSource Center-MCS, Anderson Consulting,Inc., Los Angeles Trade Technical College, and Starbucks.

MTC L.A Job Corps plans on growing its Community Relations Council and looks forward to recognizing more members from the community.

LVN Student Alejandra Colome shares her career experiences with CRC attendees.

2 Computer Tech Students and a Workbase Learning Specialist at the convention.

At MTC L.A Job Corps, we try to connect students to opportunities that can help them broaden their perspectives on future career paths. So the Business & Community Liaison and Workbase Learning Specialist decided to take a few students to the Wonder Women Tech Convention at the Long Beach Convention Center. This event was filled with panel discussions, workshops, and a Tech Job Fair. Our Computer Tech students had a great experience listening to other women in the industry talk about their challenges and successes to encourage others to persevere. One of the workshops included a deaf panel of professionals in the Tech Industry. The students that attended left with a improved outlook on their future career paths and with greater goals than they originally had.

This year we had fun coordinating multiple activities to provide our students with opportunities to have fun, receive treats, and have a chance at winning prizes. Every department on center was tasked with working in teams to plan a festivity that gifted our students with snacks and a fun time. Another surprise we planned for our students were several rounds of games that included mystery prizes and a grand prize 32″ TV! Having an ugly sweater contest allowed students to be creative with decorating their own wardrobe. Even the staff joined in with wearing ugly sweaters. Some of the treats students received during the week included hot apple cider, hot cocoa, eggnog, cookies, chocolate, and churros. Playing musical chairs was a hit and probably our most entertaining game to watch. Here at MTC L.A Job Corps we try to come up with new ideas on how to have fun while aiding our students through the program. We know the importance of completing the program but we know how to have fun too. Happy Holidays from us to you!

This student won the grand prize, a 32" TV! Out of all tickets, she had the lucky one.

A student is picking her prize after winning a raffle, but she didn't know what the mystery prizes were.

Charleston Job Corps graduate John Fleming is being featured as the Alumni/Graduate of the Quarter for the month of December, 2019. John Fleming graduated from the Charleston Job Corps Center, operating under Horizons Youth Services, in August, 2015.

Fleming completed both the Pharmacy Technician and Dental Assistant trades and obtained certifications in Infection Control and Radiology Health and Safety. He currently resides in Rockville, Maryland and has been employed at Bishop & Bishop Dental Office since December, 2015.

Prior to his enrollment into Charleston Job Corps, Fleming says he wasn’t doing anything productive and decided he needed more out of life. Fleming states, “I knew there had to be a better way”. Fleming decided to go to a career center in Laurel MD and met with an adviser to discuss his options. The adviser informed Fleming of the Job Corps program and of college opportunities. He chose Job Corps because of the perks, a free education, with room and board. The simple fact of being paid to obtain your education was yet another great incentive. “I didn’t have the means for college and didn’t want to be in debt from student loans,” says Fleming.

Fleming was a very active student while at Job Corps. He served as the President of the Student Government Association, Peer Counselor, Safety Cadet, Dorm Leader and a Gold Phase student, which is associated with a model student. Fleming says, “I wanted to make a difference on the campus and wanted to spearhead the change needed”.

Fleming stated, Job Corps prepared him for his career by teaching the required skills and allowing him to obtain the necessary certifications for his field of training”. “Job Corps also allowed me to learn coping skills and the ability find solutions to life situations”.

Upon returning home, Fleming was informed that additional certifications were required in the state of Maryland. So, he attended training through a temporary employment agency which offered higher certifications and received certifications in Hygiene Associates for Expanded Functions Dental Assistants.

Fleming states that his decision to attend Job Corps has changed the trajectory of his life. “I was traveling down the wrong path at an accelerated pace, say Fleming. My quality of life has improved greatly, because I now lead a productive life and assist others in finding their path. I am independent, self-sufficient with a life plan. My goal is to further my education in college and become a dentist within the next 5-10 years.

I would highly recommend Job Corps to anyone that is not able to see possibilities in their current situation. Job Corps Works!!!

A quote from our Alumni:       “Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard”

The Charleston Job Corps Center

Armand Planter to Serve in AmeriCorps | By:  Jacob Groves

Muhlenberg Job Corps student Armand Planter is busy finishing up training here and preparing for the next leg on his journey to success. In February he plans to volunteer for the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community program. Planter will be based in Vinton, Iowa, and will spend approximately one year in AmeriCorps helping fellow Americans. He is among an elite group of young people selected to serve in AmeriCorps. Only 25 percent of those who apply for the program are accepted.

At Muhlenberg Job Corps, Planter has completed the Pharmacy Technician career technical training program and has earned a number of nationally recognized certifications, including Electronic Health Records and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. He also received many accolades including Outstanding Student, Outstanding Leader, Safety Awards, Student of the Month for Pharmacy Technician and Student of the Month for Health Clusters. Planter held a number of leadership positions on center, including recreation leader, the recreation president, a health advocate, Youth-2-Youth (Y2Y) member and the Student Government Association president. All of these positions were part of Planter’s way to give back to a center that helped him find direction in his life. This leadership experience also motivated him to continue to give to others through the AmeriCorps program.

After he graduated from high school, Planter knew he wanted a successful life, but wasn’t sure how to achieve that success. “What led me to Job Corps is the opportunities that would open up if I came and completed a trade here. It was an alternative to college for me, but it still allowed me to work toward a fulfilling career.”

Planter offers this advice to young people considering the Job Corps program:

“You have to approach the program with an open mind. It is a program that provides an opportunity for those who might not have thought they could succeed in life, but with that comes structure that an individual might not be used to. Give the opportunity at least two weeks. It is a new environment that you need to slowly adapt to.”

Wyoming’s WIND RIVER JOB CORPS, in Riverton celebrated the graduation of 54 students with 25 in attendance, in a ceremony on campus Friday, December 13. Students successfully completed various programs including Building Construction Technologies and Carpentry, Welding, Truck Driving and Heavy Equipment Operation, Petroleum Technology, Business Administration and Health Care. Through these program student received numerous certifications that make them employment-ready in their chosen fields.

Graduates, parents, fellow students and Riverton Mayor celebrate Wind River Job Corps graduation.

Wind River Job Corps center Director, Kim Zufelt welcomed the large audience of students and families. Academic Programs Manager, Jeff Rebitski, presented letters of congratulations from U.S. Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso.

The keynote community speaker, Riverton Mayor Rich Gard, spoke to the importance of training students for the workforce, and of doing little things right as a foundation for bigger things.

Heavy Equipment Operations student Nicholas Finnegan also addressed the assembly tell the story of how he came to Wind River Job Corps. He urged students to be their best and to be grateful for the “best” support of others on your worst days. He also acknowledged appreciation for the staff and instructors at the center.

Graduates included Spencer Badger, Tromas Buckner, Jr., Alisha Capitan, Brandon Crider, Abel Deluna Munoz, Jesse Espinosa, Tarren Friday, Arron Hamilton, Jeremiah Hardin, I Javya Hogue, Hannah Kirk, Jesse Martin, Michaelia Moses, Moncerrat Naranjo Salazar, Cameron Rivera, Christian Rutiaga, Keana Silletto, Cassidy Suedekum, Nicholas Svilar, Walter Tidzump, Brianna Vastine, Jazzmyn Wakefield, Brian Winkler, Erin Wright and Samantha Wrobel.

The formal event ended with the tassel ceremony conducted by the center’s Deputy Director Russ Johns.

Michaelia Moses didn’t come to Wind River Jobs Corps because she wanted to break barriers. Even so, that’s what she’ll be doing when she takes her first job in the petroleum industry, where only 15% of the highly skilled employees are women.

Michaelia came to WRJC and Riverton, Wyoming after being a shift manager at a burger restaurant near Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Her hopes were for a more-than-minimum-wage career.

In her time at Wind River Job Corps she has become certified in the Petroleum Education Council’s SafeLand training. This program provides an understanding of the hazards in the US upstream oil and gas industry. She is also certified in H2s, with an understanding of hydrogen sulfide and precautions necessary in a toxic environment. Both programs exceed OSHA requirements in the oil field.

A new graduate of the petroleum technician program, Michaelia says she gained additional education beyond her vocation, including receiving her high school diploma, learning to be reliably consistent and punctual, and the importance of adhering to the basic rules of the job site.

Especially at her young age, she says,

Wind River Petroleum Tech Graduate Michealia Moses joins the ranks of women in the petroleum industry.

she’s looking forward to a good paying job with strong benefits.

The first thing Abel DeLuna did when he arrived at Wind River Job Corps was get his high school diploma. That was just the start of his successful journey.

After working as a laborer at a paving company in Commerce City, CO with his dad, he had decided to look for a career in a more air conditioned environment. WRJC in Riverton, Wyoming provided a dental assistant program in conjunction with Central Wyoming College, and that sounded like a good alternative.

Coming to Wind River Job Corps, Abel says he got a taste of reality. He learned to be consistent, punctual and reliable. He also learned that dental assisting wasn’t really his “thing.”

Luckily he was able to change vocational programs easily and completed WRJC’s heavy truck driving program. He graduated this past Dec., 2019

Wind River Job Corps Grad Abel DeLuna found the right career fit

. His new, good paying job is with a trucking company that hauls construction waste. He will make good use of his commercial truck driver’s license.

Abel favors the quote, “The ones who say you can’t, are afraid you will,” helping him push himself to a better life.

Some lives head down a hard road. A young woman without a job, in an abusive relationship and exposed to drugs doesn’t have a lot to look forward to. Luckily for Keana Silletto, she was thrown a lifeline by her best friend who had already been attending Job Corps. On her advice, Keana enrolled at Wind River Job Corps in Riverton, Wyoming.

Today, Keana is on a totally different road. Now she looks forward to a career she loves as a dental assistant, and a job at Red Rocks Endodontics in Colorado.

Keana spent a lot of her time at Wind River Job Corps studying for courses taken here and at Central Wyoming College, WRJC’s medical program partner. She received her license in radiography, became certified in BLS (basic life support) and OSHA10 safety standards. She also maintained a job in the cafeteria.

This past Dec., 2019 Keana graduated from the program at Wind River Job Corps and will soon leave the residential vocational program.

Wind River Job Corps' Graduate Keana Silletto is ready to start her new dental career with a position in Colorado.

Her friends and the WRJC faculty see a bright future ahead for Keana.

Cassidy Suedekum, recent Wind River Job Corps graduate, has a favorite quote from A. A. Milne, “You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

This is a very appropriate quote for the young woman from Firestone, Colorado, who left behind a difficult relationship and life situation by coming up to the beautiful mountains of Riverton, Wyoming.

For some students, the curriculum at Job Corps is more than vocational training, but an education about themselves.

Cassidy learned she could be more vocal and engaged through her participation in extracurricular activities. And she learned about her capabilities through the joint CWC-WRJC (Central Wyoming College and Wind River Job Corps) dental assistant training program. She successfully completed certifications in (BLS) basic life support, radiography, and OSHA10 as well as completing her high school diploma.

While in the program, she was able to see herself in a college setting, and realize she could thrive there. And now she wants more.

Cassidy intends to continue her education in college, studying business management.

Of her experience at Wind River Job Corps, Cassidy says, “My whole quality of life has improved. I know more about myself as a person and what I want in life.”

RIVERTON, WYOMING – Local commercial truck driving instructors, students and employers were introduced to virtual reality this past week (Jan 27) at Wind River Job Corps.

According to training software designer Talon Innovative Solutions of Lander, WY, about 60% of commercial drivers will not pass the pre-drive evaluation when testing for their license. That has economic impact on their families and their employers as they wait out the 3 month period before they can take the test again. As a remedy, Talon has created a VR training environment to help students better prepare for the pre-drive evaluation.

Trucking CEO Clair Anderson and Wind River Job Corps students experience, in virtual reality, a commercial truck pre-drive check by Talon Innovative Solutions of Lander, WY. The group watches on big screen while "players" interact with software through VR goggles.

Virtual Reality (VR) creates a simulated test situation. However, instead of trainees viewing a flat screen, they are fully immersed in a 3D experience that feels more real, and in which they interact using their hands. This kind of training is very effective in medical schools, but Talon is the first (and only) in the nation to apply it to commercial truck driving.

Wearing Oculus goggles, students are presented with a truck. Using their fingers to point, equipment pertinent to the pre-drive is highlighted. Over the student’s shoulder (as if the DMV evaluator) questions are presented that the student must answer to progress. Once the first zone is completed, the student can tele-port to the next zone until they’ve gone completely around the virtual truck and trailer. At the end of the experience, they are presented with a scorecard that let’s them know if they passed the pre-drive, and which zones they should improve. There are numerous opportunities and potential methods for this product within Job Corps.

BTI (Bonneville Transport) was invited to attend the demonstration along with Job Corps staff and students in an effort to develop our new relationship. CEO, Clair Anderson was able to offer students multiple insights as he participated in the VR. BTI transports minerals all over Wyoming and California, and will be able to offer work-based learning opportunities as well as jobs.

For more information about the Talon VR training products contact Cathy Cline, BCL at cline.cathleen@jobcorps.org.

RIVERTON, WYOMING – The Wind River Job Corps unveiled a new, student-focused “OUTSTANDING” campaign this past week with a series of 5 posters. Each poster tells the story of a recent graduate – where they came from, where they are going, the obstacles they overcame and the lessons learned while at Wind River Job Corps.

Every student can find a story similar to their own, or aspects they can relate to, in at least one of the posters displayed all over the campus. Resources used for the campaign were re-purposed from Graduate of the Quarter nominations.

Posters are displayed in the Trade Center hallways and classrooms, Rec Center, all floors and wings of residential buildings, cafeteria, Wellness Center and Admin building, ensuring students are exposed to the stories repeatedly.

“The stories are aspirational and diverse,” said BCL Cathy Cline. “Every student will find a story similar to their own within the series, proving to them that they too can succeed.”

Wind River Job Corps Graduate I'Javya Hague is heading to a job at SmilesDirect in Colorado.

Few things are as important as a smile for I’Javya Hogue, new graduate of the dental assistant program at Wind River Job Corps. From the Riverton, Wyoming campus, she will head to a position at the Smile Direct Club in Denver.

The “hard” skills she learned in the program are tangible. She is certified in BLS (basic life support) and OSHA10 safety, and received a state license in radiography.

These skills will help her to succeed in her career, but the “soft” skills she learned at Wind River Job Corps will help her succeed in life.

At WRJC I’Javya learned new communication skills, and how to work with people different from herself. As a leader and mentor to other students, she was able to engage with people in a positive and productive manner.

I’Javya says she feels she is better prepared for adulthood and expects to enjoy a career in a field she’s passionate about. But she also looks forward to a stable lifestyle that allows her to support her family and love people better. She says, “I found the better me when I found the better in me.”

North Texas Job Corps Graduate Kase Hoggatt

North Texas Job Corps practices hiring Job Corps graduates.  Case in point is Kase Hoggatt who is a graduate of the North Texas Job Corps and is now working with the center’s facilities maintenance dept.  Hoggatt who currently works as a facilities grounds custodian at the center completed the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning and the Security career technical training programs and served as a captain in the security program. While enrolled at North Texas Job Corps, Hoggatt received numerous awards and certificates of achievement, including being a dorm leader, recreation aide and Student of the Month and receiving the Career Technical Training Top Student Award, the Perfect Attendance Award and many more.  He also earned a number of nationally recognized certifications, including the Environmental Protection Agency Certification in HVAC, the HVAC Certified Tech in Refrigeration, and Level l and ll certifications in Security, which include proficiency in hand combat and use of pepper spray.  While working at Garda World Security  Company after graduation, Hoggatt earned his Security Level lll certification to carry a firearm.

He completed his work-based learning with the center’s Facilities Maintenance staff.  Hoggatt’s supervisor, Robert Pontbriant, Maintenance Manager, notes that “Hoggatt is a self-starter, has great work ethics, goes above and beyond, and is always willing to help out.”

“North Texas Job Corps gave me the tools and certifications I needed for the job I have today,” Hoggatt said.  Additionally, “my social skills improved because I became familiar with all the staff and students.  My experience at North Texas was long but really pleasant.  I met some of the best people while a student here.”

While Hoggatt likes his current job, he plans to further his career by becoming a maintenance technician.  “I want to be a ‘fixer’ of things,” he said.  Eventually he plans to branch out to do residential renovations.

Hoggatt noted that Job Corps presents great opportunities for young people, but they have to be willing to work to change their life for the better.

What better day to express our thanks to our members of Congress, local elected officials, municipalities, WBL employers, community influencers and CRC council members than on Valentines Day with a personalized poster.

At the regular Friday student business meeting, we took a photo of all students and staff holding large letters that spelled out Thank You as well as various types of Valentines hearts. The kids had a great time knowing they were sending a sincere message to their supporters.

We used the photo to develop a 20 x 30 Valentines Day poster personalized to each of our MOC’s, then an additional 25 sized as 11 x 17 cards to recognize our gratitude to others in the local community. We also provided the digital graphics to both staff and students to share on social media and/or to send to people they would like to send special thanks to.

On a day of love, where so many students find reasons to laugh and celebrate, others may feel more isolated. Carpentry student, Phillip Johnson received a standing ovation when he spoke on this topic at today’s Valentines Day rally.

Phillip talked of those who may have lost a loved one permanently, or a love of the moment, and how days like today can make one feel depressed and unworthy. But the answer to the sadness is Gratitude. He spoke of identifying and appreciating the positives in our lives, and the need to recognize and fight against the negatives. He relayed the Gratitude teachings of his family and how it took him several years, and many experiences to understand exactly what they were talking about.

It was a somber straight-from-the-heart topic at a time students are jovial, and preparing for tonight’s Valentines Dance, but it was appreciated by the student body as they remembered their own difficult times and the need to be sensitive to their friends and peers.