VISIT OUR WEBSITE

LEARN ABOUT JOB CORPS

HORIZONS YOUTH SERVICES

HYS FACEBOOK

In the middle of a hot Georgia summer in 2010, Demoine Ricky Lofton realized his life was on the road to nowhere and that he definitely wanted more out of life. That's when he realized Job Corps could be the perfect opportunity for his interests. Ricky left his home state and enrolled in the Muhlenberg Job Corps Center, a move that would eventually lead him to a career in the trucking industry.

During his 1� year enrollment, Ricky took on a number of leadership roles at the center, such as dorm president, vice president, sergeant of arms and recreation leader. More importantly, he completed not just one but three different career technical training programs: Heavy Equipment Operator, Construction Equipment Mechanics and Commercial Driver's License. When Ricky graduated from the program in March 2012, he worked for Triple A (American Automobile Association) for a few months before being hired as a full-time over-the-road driver with Swift Transportation Co. Swift is one of the largest transporting companies in the business, hauling temperature controlled, flat bed, heavy hauling or dry goods to the most respected businesses in the world.

 
While in route, Ricky stopped by the Muhlenberg Job Corps Center on Dec. 1 to visit, share his success with former teachers and instructors and current students, and, of course, to show off his 18-wheeler. "I owe my success to Job Corps and to all the staff who showed me they cared and had faith in me," Ricky said. "I enjoy the freedom of truck driving because it fits my personality and lifestyle." Ricky's home base is in Atlanta, GA, and he's currently earning $60,000-$65,000 a year traveling all over the country. 

He is one more example of how Job Corps works to change lives and create careers!

The sky is the limit for Patrice Howard, a Muhlenberg Job Corps graduate who recently completed advanced training at Potomac Job Corps. She now works as a flight attendant for Air Wisconsin, earning $17.51 an hour. Patrice recently returned to Muhlenberg to share her perspective on Job Corps and the value of its Advanced Training programs with students.

 

Patrice enrolled in Muhlenberg on Oct. 31, 2011, and successfully completed the Pharmacy Tech and Medical Office Support career technical training programs. She then took her training to the next level by enrolling in the advanced training Transportation Communications Union/IAM program at Potomac Job Corps.

 

The TCU/IAM Advanced Training Program places students who complete the program in a wide range of transportation/clerical positions such as airline and rail passenger ticket agents, reservation sales agents, customer service representatives, train service attendants, flight attendants, ramp agents, conductor trainees, barge line workers and other transportation industry positions. TCU/IAM students who complete the program are also placed as computer data entry operators, word processors and other office-related positions with financial institutions, communications companies and various governmental agencies.

 

Patrice has been training and working in Norfolk, VA for a month, and has been stationed at Washington, DC, where she will relocate to in January 2015. As an added bonus, she won a bid for a schedule that allows her to be off at Christmas, so she's planning to spend the holidays with her family in Florida - and travel there for free, thanks to the perks of her new job. For Patrice and many other young people like her, Job Corps, with its career technical training programs and advanced training opportunities, works!

The Bulldog Angels' donation to Pathway of Hope is just the latest donation the club has made to Muhlenberg County charities. The club raises money by hosting Friday jean days and other type fundraising events. 

Pictured left to right, Center Director Eric Jones; Bridgette Hayse and HR Manager Ashley Knight.

Since Bridgette Hayse was hired as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) at the Muhlenberg Job Corps Center last May, she has continued to display professionalism and a strong work ethic, especially so during a recent staff shortage. Her professionalism and positive attitude earned her honors as Muhlenberg's Employee of the Month. Hayse's nomination reflects her excellent work keeping the center's medical clinic operating during a recent staff shortage. A dedicated employee who always thinks of students first, Hayse is known for her positive attitude and the personal attention she shows students as she takes time to answer their questions or concerns. During the clinic's staff shortage, she worked diligently to complete all the necessary paperwork for intakes, get all lab work completed in a timely manner, and provide all necessary immunizations. Hayse always has students ready for the providers but still continues to treat students during open hours and appointments. She is a true team player and works hard to ensure that students receive quality services.

"Job Corps is a best kept secret," Hayse says. "There are so many young individuals in this county and others that I know who are in need of this program. I am so proud to work with the students at the Muhlenberg Center, and I'm proud to be a part of what this program is about."

The Muhlenberg Job Corps Center and center operator, Horizons Youth Services, consider Bridgette Hayse a true asset to the students, center and, most importantly, the Wellness Department.

        

Muhlenberg Job Corps Center | muhlenbergjccnews@horizonsva.com
3875 Star Route Hwy 181 North, Greenville KY  42345 | 270-338-5460