“Focus on why you went [to Job Corps] in the first place. If that reason isn’t good enough for why you should stay, expand on it. You need to know your why before doing something. If that why is big enough, you can do anything to achieve that goal.”
Originally from Kingston, Jamaica, Orlando Henry is a true citizen of the world. When he was 12 years old, he moved to Cape Cod, Mass., and experienced snow for the first time. After graduating from Barnstable High School, Orlando decided to enlist in the U.S. Marines. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan, for three years.
In Japan, Orlando learned Japanese and welded for his job. When it came time to leave the military, Orlando was given a transitional package with information on potential next steps. Part of this package was information about Job Corps. Orlando was enticed by the opportunity to complete the welding program and earn the credentials necessary to work as a civilian in the U.S. He was also interested in focusing on his studies and not worrying about bills. Orlando enrolled at Northlands Job Corps in Vermont. However, he wasn’t just studying welding. He also used his time to study Japanese, investing and coding. Orlando has always been goal-oriented and driven and enjoys getting things done.
And getting things done is just what he did. Orlando completed not only the Basic Welding
program, but he also applied for the Advanced Welding program and completed that as well.
Orlando had very supportive staff members, including Tameka and Jim. Orlando would go to Tameka’s office and talk about stocks, investing, next steps, how to find an apartment, what to look for and more. Post-Job Corps would be the first time Orlando would be living independently, so Tameka’s guidance was integral to his success. He also connected with his Advanced Welding instructor, Jim, who helped shape the Welding program into what it is today.
“I had amazing instructors. For example, my Advanced Welding instructor, he welded nuclear pipe, and a part of the job I’m at now, eventually I could weld nuclear. It’s very interesting seeing that I could go in his footsteps in a way. He taught me a lot.”
Orlando graduated from Job Corps in August 2021 and immediately got a job as a pipe welder with a U.S. military defense contractor in Rhode Island. The job is rewarding, and the pay is very good. In fact, Orlando received a 7% pay raise as a result of his hard work. While he learned an enormous amount during his time in the Marines, thanks to his time in Job Corps, he specifically learned how to weld pipe in the Advanced Welding program, which was the perfect fit for his job.
Recently, Orlando had the opportunity to go back to Job Corps and speak to a group of students who were interested in welding. He appreciated the chance to tell others about his experience. He also keeps in touch will fellow students in their Facebook group of advanced welders.
Graduated from Job Corps in: August 2021 Employer: Pipe Welder; General Dynamics Electric Boat, a business unit of General Dynamics, a U.S. military defense contractor; Rhode Island Hometown: Kingston, Jamaica Phone: 802-829-1082 Email: orlandohenry100@gmail.com Submitted by: Becca Sweredoski Notes:
Source: Center – Rosie Nelson, Community Outreach Coordinator