Carl D. Perkins Job Corps Center

Carl D. Perkins Student Amber Jones Gets More Out of the Job Corps Program Than Just Job Training

Amber Jones a 20 year old student, from Miami FL, enrolled in the Carl D. Perkins Job Corps program on 10/24/11 to embark on a new chapter in her life. Amber states the reason she came to Job Corps was to get a good education and job training skills that would make her be able to support herself and get away from many obstacles and struggles she had been dealing with at home. Amber completed Hotel Lodging at the center and had opportunities to work several banquets in the community as part of the center WBL program. This enabled her to gain that valuable on the job experience and is now enrolled in her 2^nd training course, Culinary Arts.

Amber  goes on to say, during her interview, that coming to Job Corps was the best decision that she had ever made, that she has learned so much from everyone in the program and has made so many changes that will last her a lifetime. Amber not only acquired certifications in Hotel Lodging and soon Culinary Arts, but also her physical and mental well being. While at Job Corps Amber stated that she developed an attitude that she could do anything she wanted to do in life and was always motivated to do so because the staff were always encouraging her along the way.

Amber came into the program weighing 225 lbs. and states this was just another issue that she had always struggled with in life. Amber began utilizing the centers weight room and gym facilities each evening and learning more about nutrition from the Wellness staff. Amber has lost a total of 65 lbs since being in the program and is still continuing her goal to her target weight. Amber stated that not only has this made her a healthier person but has given her self confidence and a sense of pride in herself that she has never had before. When Amber was asked what advice she could give to other young people, she stated, “Don’t walk around mad and angry at the world each day. That attitude will waste so much time and energy.  Always keep a positive attitude and believe in yourself and you can achieve anything”.  Amber plans to continue her training in hospitality before returning to Florida.

Closing comments from Ambers own Job Corps experience: “Job Corps changes your life completely”.