By HOLLY KRAKE, MSEd
While many young adults are unsure what the future hold for them, the most recent graduates of the Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center are confident their training and education will help them succeed in the job market. Each student came to Cherokee, NC without a high school diploma, job training, or driver’s license. Today, all have those essential skills necessary to compete in the workforce and be successful in life.
Health Occupations Instructor Mrs. Jane Kirby begins pinning ceremony for graduates Harris, Robinson, and Sculley. (Photo by Holly Krake/Job Corps Photo)
The fall graduating class includes; Joshua Hall- Forestry Conservation & Firefighting, Lonnie Norman- Forestry Conservation & Firefighting, Christopher Brown- Forestry Conservation & Firefighting, Sheidia Harris- Health Occupations & NC Certified Nursing Assistant, Angela Robinson- Health Occupations & NC Certified Nursing Assistant, William Sculley- Health Occupations & NC Certified Nursing Assistant, Monica Kwong- Office Administration & Microsoft Application Specialist Certification.
Harris and Robinson have already had the opportunity to put their new skills and license to work through interning at the Cherokee Indian Hospital.
“I never thought I’d have the opportunity to work in the medical field or a hospital and here I am” said Robinson. “I’ve learned about in-patient, out-patient, eye clinics, and so much more. I can’t wait to go home and work”.
Job Corps is a no-cost education and vocational training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16 through 24 improve the quality of their lives through vocational and academic training. The Oconaluftee Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center is operated by the US Forest Service.
Holly is the liaison specialist and work-based learning coordinator for the Oconaluftee Job Corps.
