Before Job Corps, Elijah Taybron was working for FedEx in a warehouse. He was seeking a new opportunity and was interested in welding. Several members of his family were already welding at a local shipyard and encouraged Elijah to go to school and earn his welding certification. Elijah’s mother told him about Job Corps, and he decided to enroll at Muhlenberg Job Corps, to complete his welding training and earn his 1G credential.
While on campus, Elijah was president of his dorm and a peer counselor and mentor. He appreciated learning how to budget and save mo
ney and meeting new people from different backgrounds. All in all, Elijah’s entire experience exceeded his expectations and taught him how to be a great leader and positive role model.
Elijah experienced challenges while enrolled at Job Corps, especially when his grandfather passed away. However, he had mentors on campus who supported him during those challenges, including Mr. Wiseman, Ms. Thompson and Mr. Hancock. He keeps in touch with some of the staff members, including Ms. Dickson. They were crucial to helping Elijah stay to remain on center when he wanted to go home.
Elijah’s advice to prospective or current students: “Keep focused on that goal. Write that goal down. Have a vision. Have a plan and stick to it.”
After graduating, Elijah knew what he wanted to do—work at the Newport News Shipyard. He’s been at the shipyard for two years now. Elijah even went back to school through the shipyard’s program to get an additional welding credential to be able to work with nuclear pipe.
Elijah’s expertise has only continued to grow over time. He is thankful the shipyard provides opportunities to advance your welding career through apprentice programs, leadership programs and paying for college. Elijah’s next goal is to complete an apprentice program, become a foreman and continue to grow his career.
“Do it. Work hard, and you will be successful.”
Graduated from Job Corps in: January 2020 Employer: Welder; Newport News Shipyard; Newport News, Virginia Hometown: Newport News, Virginia Phone: 757-354-0227 Email: elijahtay435@gmail.com Submitted by: Becca Sweredoski Notes:
Source: Center – Courtney Clark; Clark.Courtney.1@jobcorps.org