“Whatever it is that makes you uncomfortable, even though it’s uncomfortable, that’s what you need to do. It’s learning all the things you’re not good at.”
Ishmael Ramirez is comfortable now living in Denver, Colo., with his wife and two children. He has a great job working for Jefferson County Road & Bridge, where he’s been for the past 7 years. Times weren’t always so bright, but he has Job Corps to thank for his positive change in life.
“It was the best thing that could happen to me.”
Around 17 years old, Ishmael was incarcerated. His parole officer asked him what he wanted to do next. Ishmael knew he couldn’t go home but needed a change from the trouble he was getting himself in. It was his parole officer who introduced Ishmael to Job Corps, something that would change the trajectory of his future.
Ishmael had a suitcase of clothes and an eagerness to learn heading into Collbran Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center in Colorado. He became involved right away with student government, eventually becoming the president. He was also a health advocate and helped other students with health issues. He received his high school diploma, cement masonry credentials, and the gold coat, which was given to those with the highest rankings on center. Gold coat recipients are dependable, good influences, and overall leaders.
While it was challenging at first to balance all his activities, he eventually adjusted. He was rambunctious and didn’t want to follow the rules growing up; but now with Job Corps, that wasn’t an option.
“Once I adjusted and bought in, then things just changed for me; things shifted. I could tell people would respect me more. The tide had turned.”
Job Corps helped Ishmael find an apartment and job after graduation. He knows firsthand how much the Job Corps staff cares for every student. He started out making a good wage, and soon after, he joined the union earning a great wage of $17/hour at just 19 years old back in 2005. With the knowledge from Job Corps and the money he saved, Ishmael was ready for the real world.
Ishmael has worked for several companies since he graduated from Job Corps, including one he built bridges with for 8 years. He currently works for Jefferson County Road & Bridge on a team of six people working on special projects. Ishmael uses the skills he learned at Job Corps every single day, both technical and interpersonal.
“I’m a firm believer … if you buy in, that program will change your life, and that’s exactly what it did for me.”
Ishmael’s current boss is a foreman and instructor he met at Job Corps. There is an opportunity for Ishmael to be a candidate for his position after he retires from Job Corps. Ishmael continues to improve his skills and raise his daughters the best he can, and continues to grow and make good decisions.
“If I didn’t go to Job Corps, I have no idea where I would be today. I owe everything to the program, and I owe everything to the staff members that let me in.”
Graduated from Job Corps in: 2005 Employer: Jefferson County Road & Bridge Hometown: Montrose, Colorado Email: Ishramirez@rocketmail.com Submitted by: Becca Sweredoski Notes:
Employment: Crew leader, Jefferson County Road & Bridge; Golden, Colorado
Salary: n/a
Source: Department of Agriculture, US Forest Service (Jesse Casterson, MA – Realignment Coordinator – Forest Service)