Following his medical separation from the United States Navy in 2020, Anthony was looking for a career outside of the only one he had ever known. He had his high school diploma and the ambition to do more but was looking for an extra level of support to get started.
“I needed something to feel secure about my financial future.”
Anthony found Treasure Island Job Corps after searching online for an opportunity to further his education, and the rest is history.
After being in the Navy, Anthony felt that hands-on, technical training like Electrical would be the perfect fit for him. A few months into his training, Job Corps students needed to return home for distance learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The break was hard for me. I didn’t know if I even wanted to go back when my center reopened.”
Thankfully, Anthony’s instructor Beau Beverett called him and gave him the encouragement he needed to complete his training. And it is a good thing he did. Anthony is now an electrical trainee for a well-known construction company in the Bay Area, Staggs Construction, making $20.00 an hour.
Anthony is perfecting his craft by installing electrical panels and low-volt panels for residential homes, working with PVC conduit, and performing underground work on electrical wiring as well. He credits his instructors and training at Job Corps for making his job look easy.
“Job Corps is excellent and provides a great opportunity. Every day, I am using the skills my instructors taught me, and my confidence is growing.”
Though it was not easy for Anthony to leave the United States Navy and start his career from scratch, the lesson he learned is,“Never give up. Keep going and remember every day is a new day with a fresh opportunity.”
Job Corps staff was a huge support to Anthony following his graduation, and he credits them for helping him find his job. They did their best to help however they could during his transition. His fellow students also played a large role in his Job Corps experience, and he remains friends with several of them to this day.
“We have a large group chat of us who went through the program together, and we talk in it multiple times a day.” Anthony is aiming to earn his journeyman card and eventually own an electrical contracting company with his family. Focusing on his career and education during COVID-19 was not easy; but Anthony is proof that, with determination and hard work, a second career could be waiting for you.
“I feel positive and excited about my future,” said Anthony. “My biggest piece of advice is to come to Job Corps as if you are on a real job site. This is helpful practice for when you leave Job Corps and teaches you professionalism. If you stay committed to the program, you will benefit from the experience.”
Graduated from Job Corps in: 2022 Employer: Electrical Trainee, Stagg Construction, Bay Area Hometown: Santa Rosa, California Phone: 707-228-7377 Submitted by: Sellars Huy Notes:
Salary: $20.00/ hour
Source: Center Submission