Ricky Tracy had never flown on a plane or even left the state of Kentucky before Job Corps. His time with Job Corps would not only prepare him for his future career but would provide memorable experiences that he says he’ll always appreciate.
Originally from Mount Sterling, Ky., Ricky has always been a go-getter and ready to take on any challenge. Before Job Corps, Ricky attended Carl D. Perkins Vocational Rehabilitation, where he was Student Government Association president. He gained experience in landscaping and received his forklift license.
Wanting to better himself and be a continuous learner, he thought he would be good at dedicating his time to training in his field. He enrolled at Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center, where he trained in Facilities Maintenance.
“I want to get to know as much as I can.”
While at Job Corps, Ricky completed his NCCER, OSHA-10, and HPIP certifications. He also grew close with the staff at Job Corps. He would stop by and say “Hello” to the director at least once a week, and he credits the director, staff, and mentors for helping shape his positive experience.
Ricky encourages others to consider becoming a residential student at Job Corps to be able to have access to resources and get the most of out of your experience.
“It’s really what you make of it. No one is going to make you do something. Job Corps is here to help you.”
Ricky completed his training at Carl D. Perkins in July 2019. He showed initiative and was confident in the skills he learned through training. Ricky was selected to attend Advanced Training at Oneonta Job Corps Center in Oneonta, N.Y. He was excited and nervous to fly for the first time. Leaving on his birthday made the experience even better.
“I didn’t expect to go to Advanced Training. Only 10 people were selected to go to AT, and I was one of them.”
Ricky was eager to learn all that he could working with drones. He studied hard and gained a vast amount of experience before graduating in October 2019.
Ricky now works for the UPS Loop Program in Louisville, Ky. He handles large and heavy shipments in a facility that deals with distribution. He also works part time at the Bellamy Student Apartments as a leasing consultant where he uses his Facilities Maintenance training and attends classes through Jefferson Community and Technical College.
He looks forward to advancing his work through the UPS Loop Program. Ricky hopes to work for the UPS Flight Forward Program, where he would use his Advanced Training skills and work with drones.
“Every second counts. Life is what you make it. You get all of these resources and you have to decide what you are going to do with it.”
Graduated from Job Corps in: 2019 Employer: PT Package Handler through the UPS Loop Program; Leasing Coordinator at Bellamy Student Apartments; attends Jefferson Community and Technical College Hometown: Mount Sterling, Kentucky Submitted by: Center Submission