“This was a pretty exciting trip, a lot of fun, and a lot of work,” stated one of San Diego Job Corps’ Floor Covering trade students, upon his return to the San Diego Center.  He and five other students traveled to the Carson National Forest in May, 2011 to take part in an on-going project to renovate the U.S. Forest Service Camino Real Ranger District Office in Penasco, New Mexico.

The San Diego Job Corps students worked alongside Floor Covering students from the Colbran Colorado Job Corps Center during their week-long stay in the state. “Most of us had never flown before or been in New Mexico, so it was definitely a new experience for us,” advised another San Diego student.  “It was interesting meeting students from the Colorado Center, and it definitely was a learning experience in many ways for us.”

San Diego Job Corps Floor Covering instructor Joe Binion echoed his students’ sentiments.  “While we teach carpet and hardwood floor installation on center, our students spent an entire week installing hardwood floors.  They worked hard and well with the other students and the results were something they could be proud of.  Each student received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Forest Service for their excellent work.”

Community service is an important part of the Career Technical Training San Diego Job Corps students receive at the center.  Students and staff donate thousands of hours of service to the community each year.  “Our students enjoy the hands-on experience of applying the skills they are learning,” Mr. Binion continued.  “It’s an opportunity to demonstrate their appreciation for the free education they’re receiving and to “give back” to the community.”

“Nation-wide Job Corps centers save communities a lot of money by their community service,” Mr. Binion added.  “Four hundred Job Corps students have already taken part in this project.  Just our installation of the hardwood floors has  probably saved the government at least $25,000 in labor costs.”