From Charleston Job Corps to serving his country

Charleston Job Corps graduate Shaquan Siler is taking a new direction in his life following his graduation from Charleston Job Corps Center. Siler is now in Army basic training at Fort Jackson, N.C., preparing to serve his country. Siler enlisted in the U.S. Army on Feb. 19, and signed on to be trained as an Army Airborne Ranger, receiving a $10,000 sign-on bonus.

While at Charleston Job Corps, Siler received two national certifications in Telecommunications and Copper-Based Systems, increasing his employability and opportunities for success. Congratulations Shaquan on your success at Charleston Job Corps and on your new career path with the U.S. Army!

Perkins Job Corps volunteers for Operation Clean Sweep

Carl D. Perkins Job Corps students spent the week of March 16-20 at Jenny Wiley State Park cleaning up trash and debris from the lake after the recent flooding. The Security & Protective Service students, along with their Instructor Jeffory Aldrich, worked each day on the lake collecting tires, garbage, hot water tanks, and other debris from the lake.

“After the recent flooding to the area, this week was vital to the clean-up process,” said Julian Slone, the park manager. Over the course of the week students collected 4.76 tons of trash, about 1,000 more pounds than they collected last year, according to Slone. Each year, the Carl D. Perkins Job Corps and the Jenny Wiley State Park partner on many community service events and projects at the park.

MJCC hosts 35th Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt 

The Muhlenberg Job Corps Center recreation student leaders and staff hosted the center’s 35th Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt. The hunt, held on Saturday, March 28, attracted more than 100 children and parents geared up for a festive Easter Eggstravaganza!  The Muhlenberg Job Corps Center was covered with more than 2,000 brightly colored eggs filled with candy and prize tickets. The children enjoyed getting their pictures taken with the Easter Bunny, bouncing on inflatables, receiving stickers and balloons, and, of course, getting their face painted by a student recreation leader!  Every child left the center happy and with an Easter basket overflowing with eggs!

Career training + on-the-job experience = SUCCESS

Quality career training and on-the-job experience through work-based learning helped Marycait Hoke, 24, land a job as a data quality specialist with the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. Hoke will be working in the Kanawha City location.

Before enrolling in the Office Administration career technical training program at the Charleston Job Corps Center in April 2014, Hoke graduated from Lincoln County High School in Hamlin, WV and attended Marshall University and West Virginia State University. While at CJCC, Hoke completed Work Based Learning at Area Wide Protective, Dunbar, WV, and Lyne Ranson’s Law Office on Kanawha Boulevard, Charleston, WV. At both WBL internships, she was responsible for answering telephones, completing time schedules, organizing files, copying and additional office duties. Hoke also worked on the CJCC student newspaper, typing and editing articles. James Brown, office administration instructor, said, “Marycait was one of my best Office Administration students and understood the philosophy of ‘Playing like a Champion Everyday’, as well as striving for excellence. I know that Marycait will do great things because she is truly a success story.”

Hoke thanks Mr. Brown and Steven Canterbury, administrative director, West Virginia Judiciary, who helped with her job placement. Her words of wisdom to current and future Job Corps students are: “Things may get hard, but if you can make it through, you will have a great reward.”

For Marycait and students like her, Job Corps works!

Honoring Job Corps grads at State Capitol in Frankfurt

Muhlenberg graduates

Fifteen students from the Muhlenberg Job Corps Center and 10 from Carl D. Perkins Job Corps were among student s honored March 26 at the historic Statewide Job Corps graduation at the Capitol Rotunda in Frankfort, KY. Students from each of the five Job Corps centers in Kentucky – Muhlenberg, Perkins, Whitney M. Young, Earle C. Clements and Great Onyx – participated in the event, which celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Job Corps program. Kentucky has the most Job Corps centers of any state in the nation.

Karen Robinson, business community liaison for MJCC, served as master of ceremonies.

Lt. Gov. Crit Luallen, the event’s honorary guest speaker, told graduates, “Everything you have accomplished thus far is very meaningful for your future, but more important are your morals and how you conduct yourself by giving back to your communities.”

Perkins graduates

Kentucky House Speaker Gregory D. Stumbo recalled the history of the Job Corps program, including when Sergeant Shriver first began to develop the Job Corps program.  “The Kentucky Commonwealth is very lucky to have so many centers serving such a great program, improving the lives of so many young adults,” Stumbo said. “Congratulations to each of you for your many accomplishments,” he told graduates.

Two former Job Corps students also spoke at the ceremony – DeeDee Perkins, who graduated from Whitney M. Young Job Corps, and Patrick McLevaine, who graduated from Earle C. Clements Job Corps.

Perkins shared her story of leaving home at 19, and living for a time at the Salvation Army before enrolling in Job Corps. She graduated from Whitney Young with her Certified Nursing Assistant and Medical Office Support certifications.   She urged graduates to “continue on from Job Corps with what you have learned, be successful, but never forget to thank those who have helped you along the way.  Those individuals may have been a parent, a grandparent, aunt, or Job Corps staff member.… Those individuals are priceless.”

All Job Corps students participating in state-wide ceremonies

McLevaine, who graduated from the automotive technician program at Earle C. Clements, shared, “I was kicked out of high school at the age of 15 for drugs.  I entered Job Corps with literally nothing.  I now own two vehicles and a house and I make all my payments the week before they are due.” Speaking directly to the new graduates, he said, “The only place you will find success before work is in the dictionary.  You must always work hard for what you plan to have in life. ”

Eric Jones, MJCC center director, conducted the tassel and gave closing remarks.

Muhlenberg JCC students participating in the state-wide ceremony are: Shania Beasley, Pharmacy Tech; George Brooks, Pharmacy Tech; Christine Chandler, Clinical Medical Assistant; William Cummings, Certified Nursing Assistant; William Day, Commercial Driver’s License; Aaron Dragoo, Welding; Kenyata Hayes, Heavy Equipment Operator; Jordan Hunt, Certified Nursing Assistant; Denise Joseph, Medical Office Support; Coty Laurilla, Medical Office Support; Stefanie Laverdure, Pharmacy Tech; Dorka Negash, Certified Nursing Assistant; Sabrina Nicholson, Medical Office Support; Camara Slappy, Medical Office Support; and David Stammer, Heavy Equipment Operator.

All Perkins students participating in the state-wide ceremony are from Kentucky. They are: Jonathan Day, Electrical; Jennifer Skidmore, Office Administration; Brittany Blevins, currently enrolled in Office Administration; Jessica Cook, Office Administration, currently enrolled in Culinary Arts; Paul Geiger, currently enrolled in Carpentry; Jacob Lytle, Culinary Arts, currently enrolled in Office Administration; Lawrence Lee, Security & Protective Services, now pursing Advanced Training within the Job Corps program; Devonte Lewis, High School Diploma, currently enrolled  in Security & Protective Services; Josiah McIntosh, HSD, Security & Protective Services, currently  enrolled in college, majoring in criminal justice; and Hakeem Mulholland, HSD, Office Administration.

Charleston Job Corps students job shadow throughout community

Talk about a busy Groundhog’s Day! Students from the Charleston Job Corps Center participated in National Groundhog Job Shadow Day on Feb. 2 by job-shadowing at the district office of Sen. Joe Manchin, the West Virginia Human Rights Commission, the West Virginia Equal Employment Office CASCI, West Virginia Career Transition Services, Thomas Memorial Hospital, and the West Virginia State Legislature. While visiting the Legislature, leadership students met with Sen. Chris Walters and Delegates Nancy Guthrie, Linda Phillips, Mike Pushkin, Sean Hornbuckle and Amanda Pasdon.

Student participants include Xenobia Brown, Katharine Durden, Tamara Evans, Jamie Guerrero, Brittany Kelsh, Morgan McClleland, Kiera Meekins, Maricela Perez, Angel Scott, Tearaha Smith Lane, Ahmir Cross, Laurance Miller Hicks, Cheryl Spence, John Fleming, Marchae Sterling, Teara Estep, Cassia Marino, Jeremy Kelly, Kenneth Phillips, Malcolm Gray, Aer’ion Mayfield, Brian Balbuen, Tashiana Nichols, and Trevor Fuhrman, under the direction of Tia Welch, Business Community Liaison.

National Groundhog Job Shadow Day is a national campaign that gives young people a new perspective on their studies through hands-on learning and a one-day mentoring experience.  Charleston Job Corps Center students look forward to this event and benefit by gaining valuable information, utilizing their trade skills, demonstrating leadership and employability skills, participating in business meetings, displaying professionalism and receiving professional mentoring. A special thanks to everyone that participated in this event.

Pictured left to right are Delegate Sean Hornbuckle, Kenneth Phillips, Tashiana Nichols, Delegate Jill Upson, Aer’ion Mayfield, Delegate Linda Phillips, Malcolm Gray and Delegate Amanda Pasdon.

Six more weeks of bad weather didn’t cast a shadow on a lifetime of learning for Perkins students

Even though the groundhog saw his shadow on Feb. 2, which, of course, means six more weeks of bad weather, that didn’t deter the students at the Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center from casting a lasting impression on the staff at the Prestonsburg office of Congressman Hal Rogers. Perkins students Therasis Godfrey and Whitney Crew visited and shadowed Field Representative Adam Rice and Case Worker Tonya Owens, who talked with them about the day-to-day operations of the office and what their jobs entail. They also discussed on how the congressman represents the people of Kentucky and what each office does to get information back to the congressman. Rice and Owens also discussed some programs the congressman has implemented, such as the PRIDE program and Operation Unite.

Rice and Owens also discussed different career options for the two students, given the training they already have received, and reminded them that giving back to their community, helping others and having a positive attitude are just as important as their education.

Godfrey, 22, of Sebring, FL, is currently in the Security & Protective Services program and working at the Floyd County Detention Center four days a week as part of the center leisure time learning program. Crew, 20, from Nancy, KY, is enrolled in the Office Administration career technical training program, focusing on Cyber Security, and has completed the Security & Protective Services

training program.

Pictured left to right are Adam Rice, field representative for Eastern Kentucky, Therasis Godfrey, Whitney Crew, and Tonya Owens, case worker for Rogers' eastern Kentucky office.

MJCC students start saving for the future!

The Muhlenberg Job Corps Center thanks Woodforest Bank for continuously reaching out to educate and assist our students with financial education and banking services. Recently, nine students opened their first checking account with Woodforest Bank. Woodforest and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) recognize the importance of financial education, particularly for those with little or no banking experience. Bank representatives Jamie Braem, Lindsay Williams and Nicholas Pear came to the center to assist the students with their first banking experience. Thanks Woodforest for being a part of the many ‘firsts’ for our students!

Perkins instructors start New Year with specialized training

During the first week of the New Year, Carl D. Perkins CTT instructors, maintenance staff and safety officers received specialized training in scaffolding. Jim Beck of Beck Safety Consultants was on center Jan. 5-7 to teach the 32-hour Principles of Scaffolding class to Perkins staff. This training, which reflects Perkins’ commitment to safety as its top priority, enables staff to be more knowledgeable about safe set-up and use of scaffolding and to teach these skills to students. Students will be able to practice these skills on center with mock setups and actual work in the spring on center projects and work-based learning.

Pictured are Jim Beck, trainer, and Perkins staff.

Beck has more than 45 years of construction experience and now teaches part time at Eastern Kentucky University at the OSHA Training Institute.

This is just one of many innovative training tools that Perkins utilizes to best prepare students for today’s workforce.

Perkins staff brave cold for ropes course training

Yes, it’s cold outside… so cold that most people may think it’s a bit too chilly to be out on the ropes course at Carl D. Perkins Job Corps practicing skills learned during a recent re-certification and training of the Ropes Course facilitators. But that’s exactly what staff did. They spent a morning recently working on their ropes skills, setting up the course and ensuring all safety procedures and protocols were in place. This training will pay huge dividends once students return to center later this month. The Ropes Course at Perkins is part of the Perkins Job Corps Leadership Program. Staff will have weekly training on the course with students who enter the Leadership Program.

Pictured are left to right, staff member Ben Runyon, student Javaaron Hale and staff member Thomas Rouse.

Keep up with the happenings at the Muhlenberg Job Corps with the center's December 2014 newsletter

Keep up with news from the Carl D. Perkins Job Corps with the December 2014 newsletter

Check at the latest news from Charleston Job Corps!

Teaching computer skills, one generation to the other

Basic computer skills are key components of the education that students at the Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Office Administration program receive. So it was only fitting that these students, along with their instructor, Melissa Hicks, decided to share their computer knowledge with residents at the Riverview Nursing Home. Office Administration students visited the facility Oct. 23 to teach residents basic computer and cell phone skills. The students taught residents how to save and download photos from smart phones, log into the Internet, create a Facebook page, set up an email account and play games. These basics, which many of us take for granted, can open up a whole new world for senior citizens and help them stay connected with their family and friends.

While the residents got to learn new technology skills and enjoy the companionship of some young people that many residents already consider their adopted grandchildren, the students also gained much from the experience. Perkins students got to practice the computer skills they learned in class, help others, use their teaching and communication skills, and learn some great life lessons by listening to the stories shared by residents.

The day was such a success that it is now a weekly activity for Carl D. Perkins Job Corps and the Riverview Nursing Home.

Muhlenberg Job Corps hosts Senior Citizens Prom

The Muhlenberg Job Corps Center Recreation Department, with the assistance of the health careers students and the Military Club, hosted the 2014 Senior Citizens Prom Oct. 23 at the center. The annual event had outgrown its facility, and Muhlenberg Job Corps was more than happy to host the event. Proceeds from ticket sales for the prom benefited the Pennyrile Allied Community Services (PACS) Hot Delivered Meal program at the Senior Citizens Center. Approximately 115 senior citizens attended the event, which included a catered meal by the Snack Shack, and music was provided by the Benny Pryor Band. Students supported the event by directing traffic and assisting with parking, escorting seniors to their tables, serving the meal. Students also joined in the fun as they line danced with seniors until the end of the night, and asked each senior to dance.

Up in smoke!

Students at the Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center got some valuable fire safety training Oct. 16. That’s when CJ Childers of Pike County Emergency Management brought a million-dollar mobile fire trailer to the center for fire safety presentations for students and staff. Students got to go into the unit in groups of eight to see simulations of grease fires, oven fires, and trash can fires in the kitchen and to learn how to use a fire extinguisher and how to react to each of these types of fires. Students also went into a mock bedroom and learned how to best react to a house fire. They experienced first hand smoke coming under the door, the sensation of not being able to see, and feeling the door for heat, and learned that it’s crucial NOT to open the door if it feels hot.

At Perkins Job Corps, safety is the top priority, and training exercises such as this are part of the center’s ongoing focus on safety. Thanks to the Pike County Emergency Management and the Prestonsburg Fire Department for assisting with the presentations.

Early Detection, Education and Intervention are important keys to fighting breast cancer

That was the message that students and staff at the Charleston Job Corps Center heard at its 4th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Event Oct. 22. The event was held in honor of October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Female staff and students listened to a presentation by Alyshia Harris, a registered nurse at Thomas Memorial Hospital and breast cancer survivor. “This disease does not discriminate. It does not care about your race, age or gender,” she said. She also stressed the importance of doing self-exams, mammograms and early detection.  Harris, who credits her family and friends for their support and encouragement, noted that attitude is crucial in fighting the disease. “I was determined to beat cancer. I have so much to live for.”

Tia Welch, business community liaison at Charleston Job Corps, said Charleston Job Corps has hosts this event each year “because we want our students and staff to be informed about the disease, and the importance of self-exams and making healthy lifestyle choices.”  Wellness Manager Sherri Holstein reminded students and staff that “early detection, education and intervention of breast cancer save lives.”  Center Director Willie Brown said, “Breast cancer is a very devastating disease, but it can be overcome.  As a center we want to support our breast cancer survivors as best we can.”

On behalf of the Charleston Job Corps Center, Welch and students from the Ladies of Excellence group presented a check to Alyshia Harris for the Thomas Memorial Hospital Foundation Pink Ribbon Fund.  Following the presentation 100 students and staff walked the track and released pink and white balloons recognizing those who have succumbed to the disease.

A special thanks to guest speaker Alyshia Harris; Sandy Young, RN, Thomas Memorial Hospital; and Hometown Sportswear for the customized t-shirts.

Pictured left to right, Bryanna Watson, Tia Welch, Alyshia Harris and Jaquai Felton.

Muhlenberg Job Corps recognizes Employee of the Month

Congratulations to Debbie Devine, finance specialist – the Muhlenberg Job Corps Employee of the Month for September. Thanks to her hard work, Muhlenberg was able to end the contract year with “No Unbilled Purchase Order Receipts,” which means that all invoices were entered by the deadline. She entered over 430 invoices to meet a year-end deadline while doing all her other financial duties. Talk about multi-tasking! Devine’s efforts have contributed to the fact that Accounts Payable has scored 100% on all quarterly corporate trip report audits this year. She also identified a vendor error that resulted in a significant credit to the center for services not rendered.  For all these reasons and more, Debbie Devine is Muhlenberg’s “Employee of the Month.”

Pictured left to Ashley Knight, HR manager; Debbie Devine; and Center Director Eric Jones.

Perkins SGA meets with Sen. McConnell

The Carl D Perkins Job Corps SGA members and Business Community Liaison Jimmie Slone recently met with Senator Mitch McConnell at a community event at Brandise Industries at Stanville, KY. Sen. McConnell talked with the students and said he was glad to see them again. McConnell had visited the Perkins Job Corps during its National Job Corps Commencement Day activities Aug. 22. He also told SGA member Devonte Lewis he thought he was a faculty member because he looked so professional. And, no meeting is complete without a selfie – which is exactly what SGA member Josiah McIntoch took with the senator!

Thanks Senator McConnell for your continuing support of the Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center.

Pictured left to right are BCL Jimmie Slone; Devontae Lewis; Sen. McConnell; Josh Kisiel;
and Josiah McIntosh.