Antonio Ruffin
Age: 20
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Center: Cleveland Job Corps
Enrollment Dates: 10/10/16 – 3/27/2017
Career Area: Carpentry
Employer: Dalad Construction
Position: Laborer

Although Antonio Ruffin did not complete high school in the traditional setting, he was still intent on obtaining a career and getting his life together. “My mother told me Job Corps was a good program and would help me establish a better future for myself,” said Antonio. “I saw Job Corps as the best way to turn my life around.”

During his enrollment, Antonio obtained his high school diploma from Penn Foster, NCCER Core Curriculum, Green Building Awareness, Scaffold Safety, Vinyl Siding, OSHA 10, UBC Pre-Apprentice, and Gastite Installer credentials. Antonio often helped Residential Advisors clean and prepare dorm rooms for new student arrivals, and volunteered in the recreation center by helping them clean and set up for assemblies.

“I really appreciate Mr. Levy and Mr. Randol, my math and reading instructors for encouraging me and giving me the confidence I needed to succeed and believe in myself,” explained Antonio. He had a few challenges like learning to ask for help and opening up to others, but credits the Social Development and Residential Living department staff with helping him overcome them. He also acknowledged his carpentry instructors for how well they prepared him on what to expect and how to act on a construction job site.

Originally Antonio had plans to return to Michigan to look for a construction job, however after doing an exceptional job on his work based learning assignment he was offered a job. He is employed at Dalad Construction as a laborer where he enjoys his job and his coworkers. He has been able to save money and get his own apartment. Antonio plans to stay in Cleveland and hopes the skills and training he received from Job Corps will help him progress in the company.

Antonio advises prospective students to always offer to get help when needed, and helping instructors and staff even when it is not asked of you – can lead to good employer recommendations. “Motivation, determination, and perseverance will help you gain success,” stated Antonio.