Jermaine Martin, 24 year old, carpentry student from Lexington, KY, enrolled in the Job Corps program after working several part time low paying jobs without a high school diploma. Jermaine, arrived at the Perkins center on April 7th, 2015, where he began what he thought his last opportunity to get on track. Jermaine did just that, setting in a typical classroom all day was not an environment that Jermaine could succeed at. In the Job Corps program, students have the opportunity to work half the day in their academic classes and the other half in their career technical trade. This was exactly what Jermain needed, a structured schedule that was flexible and suited his learning style.

Jermaine received serval certifications while in the program, OSHA-10, green card, CPR, and certified in first aid. Jermaine also had the opportunity to work on several projects in the community, one with the city of Pikeville restoring the historic land mark the York House. This gives students valuable lessons on giving back and helping others, while also providing on the job training and mentoring from other volunteers. Jermaine said that “Job Corps has given me a 2nd chance to better myself, while teaching me how to handle life challenges and experiences.

Jermaine is now employed with Hinkle Construction in Lexington, KY making $15.00 an hour. Thanks to Job Corps, Jermaine is working at a job that he can now support himself and not depend on others.