“I decided I needed to get out of my comfort zone—go do something different or have a greater skill set and not just work at the same job and not be happy about it. So that’s why I went to Job Corps.”
Justin Speight is a lube technician apprentice at Hubert Vester Toyota in Wilson, N.C. Justin not only completed his courses and credentials, but is continuing to expand his knowledge and mastery of his craft with additional training online. His Toyota supervisor speaks very highly of him, and Justin’s overall efforts have earned him a pay raise. Where did this foundation of success begin? Schenck Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center.
Justin originally heard about Job Corps through a family member. He was immediately enticed by the opportunity to try something different and stop working at Bojangles. Before Job Corps, Justin completed high school and went on to Wilson Community College. However, he didn’t do well in his first semester and decided to not return for the next semester.
Job Corps provided a fresh start for Justin. He had never been so far from home and never visited the mountains before. While he was homesick at first, he was able to stay busy and thrive in his new environment.
At Schenck Job Corps CCC, Justin became very involved. He was on the basketball team and was a dorm leader of Davidson Hall. This was a great leadership experience: making sure every room was clean and everyone was doing what they needed to do. Justin also enjoyed all that Job Corps had to offer, including three meals a day, various activities with other students and the caring Job Corps staff.
Justin gained real-world automotive experience when he worked for Charlie’s Tire Center during his work-based learning. However, when COVID-19 ramped up, Justin was sent home to finish his Job Corps experience online. With the help of his instructors, Justin secured an interview with Hubert Vester Toyota. In the fall of 2020, Justin not only graduated from Job Corps, but began working at Hubert Vester Toyota.
“I got the shot, took the opportunity and became one of the most successful students there. I really did have a good time.”
Justin is using the skills he learned at Job Corps in his career. As a lube technician, he rotates tires and checks tire pressure, engine and cabin filters, brakes, and more. He can document certain aspects of the car and send the information to the surface advisors. From there, the customer can choose the best plan of action. Justin is using not only the hard skills he learned, but the leadership skills he acquired while on center.
Justin aspires to become a diagnostic technician soon and eventually a line technician. One day, he would like to own his own business and have a family and a home.
“Always go with a purpose. Whatever you set your mind to do, go do it and don’t give up. Don’t quit when it gets hard. Try your best. If it doesn’t work out in your favor, then the option is up to you to do what you need to do next.”
Graduated from Job Corps in: 2020 Employer: Lube Technician Apprentice; Hubert Vester Toyota; Wilson, North Carolina Hometown: Wilson, North Carolina Phone: 252-315-4298 Email: justinspeight3351@gmail.com Submitted by: Becca Sweredoski Notes:
Source: Center and JCNO