Kelsey Williams-21 years old is from Richmond, VA. She arrived at the Charleston Job Corps Center (CJCC) on April 27, 2015 with her High School Diploma from Richmond Community High School, Richmond VA. Williams believes in hard work and dedication. Before arriving at CJCC, Williams worked at Staples office supply store as a sales associate. She realized that career technical training would help her reach her goals and increase her job opportunities, so she decided to make Job Corps a part of her pathway to success.

Williams enrolled in the career technical trade of Dental Assistant under the leadership of instructor Kasandra Parrish, BridgeValley Community and Technical College (CTC). The center partners with BridgeValley CTC to offer training on campus in Certified Nursing Assistant, Dental Assistant and Pharmacy Technician. Williams enrolled in a second trade, Pharmacy Technician, after completing dental assistant in February 2016. Williams feels the training received under the pharmacy technician instructors, Kathy Roach and Maggie Cavender were invaluable.

Students at CJCC receive training in employability skills and career success standards to increase their marketability in the workforce. All students have the opportunity to participate in community service, volunteering, and leadership during their time in the program. Williams has faithfully served as a member of the student government association in the role of vice-president. She has learned valuable skills in conflict resolution, teamwork, and effective communication. Her most memorable experience was attending the Women’s Day luncheon at Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation with Dr. Michelle Foster, CEO during Women’s History Month.

Williams has been accepted into the advanced training program for railroad services at the Potomac Job Corps Center, Washington DC. Her future plans include full time employment upon completion and returning home to Richmond, VA. Words of wisdom to current and future Job Corps students, “This is a short road to your success, keep moving forward.”