Craig Conner
Age: 19
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Center: Cleveland Job Corps
Region: Chicago
Career Area: Welding
Job Corps Dates: 2/22/2016 – 12/14/2017
Employer: Ace Brother’s Equipment

“I didn’t fit in at a traditional school environment, so I quit and enrolled in an online High School Diploma program,” explained Craig Conner. Unfortunately, Craig found himself stuck in the same situation when he turned 18, still no High School Diploma. He decided it was time for a change. After learning that Job Corps was an excellent way to get a High School Diploma and career from a few of his friends (some of whom were former Job Corps graduates), Craig enrolled in the program.

Craig set forth on a new journey at the Cleveland Job Corps Center on February 22, 2016. During his time at the Center, he completed the Advanced Manufacturing Program/Welding through a partnership with Cuyahoga Community College. He also earned his Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10, Forklift Operator, National Center for Construction Education and Research Core Curriculum, Metal Inert Gas, Tungsten Inert Gas, and Stick Welding Certifications. In his spare time, Craig could be seen around Center playing billiards or skateboarding. Craig stated that he appreciated the one-on-one mentorship that he received at Cleveland Job Corps Center. He values the encouragement and support he received from Security Officer, Patrice Hill and the mentoring and billiard lessons Recreation Specialist, Jonathan Pierre provided him.

After completing his internship at Ace Brother’s Equipment, Craig landed a job as a Welder making $14 an hour. Craig now puts to use the skills he obtained in his trade every day at his job. He realizes that his blueprint reading class aids him in making new parts for equipment because he can read the schematics while manufacturing the materials. His employer stated that they see promise and opportunity for growth in Craig. He hopes to soon become a fabricator and plans to go back to school to take the Flux Core Welding courses. “Job Corps helps molds you into the person you want to be, but you have to be ready to be molded to succeed,” stated Craig. “It’s all about the decisions that you make every day, that will decide where you end up.”