“Job Corps made me see that my past life didn’t matter. My past doesn’t control my life any longer. Job Corps showed me that there is always a chance to turn your life around for the greater good and make something out of your life, because life is to short to take for granted.” Jonathan Pacheco, Rescue Swimmer, U.S. Navy

Jonathan Pacheco, a recent facility maintenance graduate from Carl D. Perkins was a 16-year-old, living with his mother and 5 siblings when the Job Corps program saved him from continuing to spiral down a negative path. He had good relationships with all of his family members but was struggling to stay in high school in his hometown of Miami, FL. Jonathan was open to joining the Job Corps program and knew it may be his only option to obtain the education and training he needed after his mother introduced the opportunity to him. Pacheco completed the Facility Maintenance trade and earned nationally recognized certificates in OSHA-10 (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), NCCER(National Center of Construction Education and research) and HPIP (High Performance Insulation Professionals) under the instruction of Mr. Ricky Yates. Pacheco participated in recreational activities and was an avid member of the softball team but on center Pacheco was very soft spoken, quiet, and shy. After completing Job Corps, and pursuing employment, Jonathan surprised everyone when he joined the U.S. Navy!
Pacheco now serves as a rescue swimmer. He admits he is looking forward to attending college in November 2020. He is currently training to assemble FA18 Jets with military defense mechanisms. Job Corps provided Jonathan with his High School Diploma, training and certifications in Facility Maintenance, direction, and accountability. Pacheco, his family, and friends are astonished by his transformation, from a young boy without a high school diploma; to a man getting ready to begin college and serving in the U.S. Military. “Job Corps made me see that my past life didn’t matter. My past doesn’t control my life any longer. Job Corps showed me that there is always a chance to turn your life around for the greater good and make something out of your life, because life is to short to take for granted.” Jonathan Pacheco, Rescue Swimmer, U.S. Navy