As Felix Barragan planned for his future career path, he was first drawn to forestry. However, from his first step into the Carpentry shop at Angell Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center in Oregon, Felix knew he was home.
Prior to enrolling at Job Corps, Felix worked landscaping, roofing and construction side jobs. With one foot already in the door and an introduction to what his future could look like from Job Corps staff, Felix knew he had chosen the right path to advancing his career in construction.
Felix chose to train in Carpentry but still found a way to incorporate his interest in the Forest Service by training in Firefighting.
“I highly recommend joining a Job Corps fire crew as a way to give back to the world and make some great seed money before graduating,” he said.
Despite a busy training schedule, Felix found time for fun and service on campus. He served as 
leader of the recreation building, supervisor of Student Government Association (SGA) and member of the campus drama club. Eventually, Felix was named SGA president and foreman of the campus Carpentry shop. As shop foreman, Felix had the opportunity to gain leadership experience and co-teach Carpentry lessons with his instructor.
One of the challenges Felix didn’t expect from Job Corps was establishing a new routine.
“Waking up really early and getting used to the different personalities of my peers were difficult; but over time, it became easier. Now I wake up early every day and still keep in touch with classmates. We visit each other, send memes and stay connected on social media.”
Felix graduated from Angell Job Corps Center with his credentials in Carpentry, along with his driver’s license and scaffold safety, scaffold user, green building awareness and OSHA 10-hour safety credentials. He also completed the Pre-Apprentice program through United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America (UBCJA).
Only two days after graduating, Felix started his job as a union carpenter for PCI Performance Contracting. “I graduated, rested over the weekend, then started work on Monday. I was so ready to get started.”
In the next five to 10 years, he hopes to earn an associate degree and business license to start his own company, then get married and start a family.
His advice for new students? “Stay goal-oriented, don’t involve yourself with other students’ drama, and keep an eye on the future you want. Job Corps made a huge improvement on my life. After everything that I’ve been through, it will give me more than I could have ever imagined for myself.”
Graduated from Job Corps in: March 22, 2021 Employer: Performance Contracting, Inc. Hometown: Spokane, Washington Phone: 509-866-2250 Email: felixbarragan2797@gmail.com Submitted by: Lydia Henry Notes:
Susan L. Field, Placement Coordinator, UBC National Job Corps Training Fund; susan.field@carpenters.org; (812) 201-1006