As summer approaches, I hope each of you will take the time to look back on all the rewarding work you have accomplished this year. Thank you for your dedication to helping our students achieve their goals every day and inspiring the next generation of Job Corps graduates.
This first year as your National Director has been amazing, learning about all your accomplishments, seeing you succeed and helping students reach those goals they’ve worked so hard to achieve. We have all faced adversity over this past year, and I cannot thank you enough for your dedication to overcome it. From welcoming new students to our campus to launching the virtual enrollment program, I look back on this first year with such immense pride for all of you and look forward to many more years to come.
In honor of Public Service Recognition Week, I want to thank all of our public service staff members. Public Service Recognition Week began in 1985 and is celebrated the first week of May to honor the people who serve our nation as federal, state, county, local and tribal government employees. We are so grateful for everything that they do for us on a daily basis, and specifically how they support our Job Corps community.
Forest Service
I want to give a special thanks to our Forest Service and Civilian Conservation Center students and staff who continue to step up and answer the call to serve during fire season. During a four-month period in 2021, Job Corps committed an average of 105 students each week to various wildfire-related efforts—including suppression crews (36 assignments in the Western fire season), camp crews (58 assignments) and kitchen crews (four assignments). Many students went out on multiple assignments. These students are heroes.
Students and Staff at Trapper Creek Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center
Staff Spotlight
One staff member, Shawn Miller, continues to make an impact every day in his role as Center Director at Harpers Ferry. Shawn has worked in the Job Corps program since 1994 (28 years) and has always had a passion for working with young people.
How important is the training that students receive at Forest Service centers like Harpers Ferry?
“The Forest Service is unique in that we have various programs that are in line with the Fire/Natural Emergencies missions of the agency. The specialized training opportunities and experience, coupled with special hiring authorities, afford students the chance to be employed within the Forest Service, as well as any other federal agency. This exposure to the industry of land management gives our students a broad outlook on career fields that can lead to prosperous careers within the agency.”
What are the most rewarding things about your job and working in this field?
“The simple answer for me is the students. Just as much as the Job Corps program provides for our young people, they also provide for us staff members. The gratitude and appreciation are a win/win for both the student and me as an employee.
Mentoring is the biggest reward working on the Forest Service centers, seeing the personal and professional development of a young man or woman, knowing I had a part in that growth. A quote that I use daily with students is ‘always keep the end in sight first.’ Job Corps has been my career most of my adult life, and how I have advanced professionally within this program allows me to share my testimony, reinforcing that you can be or do anything you desire. Just keep your focus, expect obstacles, yet do know there is a prize at the end of your journey.”
Thank you, Shawn and the rest of the Forest Service, for your continued contributions to our community!
I Want To Hear About Your Job Corps Wins!
We faced many challenges over this past year, and it was no small task overcoming them! We want to celebrate all your successes, big or small, and promote the remarkable things you have accomplished. Whether it was a pre-apprenticeship, landing a dream job or volunteering in your community, we are so proud of everything you have done.
If you or your center wants to share a Job Corps Win to be featured in an upcoming newsletter, please e-mail the details and any accompanying photos or videos to news@doljobcorps.com.
U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Job Corps, 200 Constitution Ave NW, Suite N4463, Washington, DC 20210, 800-733-JOBS (5627)
Job Corps is a U.S. Department of Labor Equal Opportunity Employer Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. TDD/TTY telephone number is (877) 889-5627.