Please allow me to introduce you to Maurilio Caetano Jr., a Manufacturing student at the Hartford Job Corps Center. Maurilio had to endure many struggles growing up. He’s informed staff of past feelings of having no future, no education, didn’t want to turn to the streets. Maurilio had to care for his 4-yr. old daughter while being a full-time student here at Job Corps. Maurilio’s father is a machinist so he decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and pursue a career in the manufacturing field as well. Maurilio reports meeting with a DOL staff member 2 weeks before his 25th birthday, and was worried he wouldn’t get in, but was accepted just days before he turned 25.

Maurilio reports finding it to be extremely challenging trying to juggle being a student, single parent, and just regular life stress.  He said throughout all the struggles, there were always good people at HJCC to help him through it. Maurilio threatened to quit numerous times due to the COVID restrictions for non-residential students. However, we at HJCC are proud to say as of 9/20/21, Maurilio has competed his manufacturing trade, as well as his GED. Maurilio was hired by his WBL Site, Triactic, and works full time as a plater.

Maurilio is adamant about expressing the of the importance of Job Corps. He states that Job Corps is very valuable for students like him because life is not easy.  Maurilio feels as though everyone deserves a second chance, and should strive to be to be successful. Maurilio hopes to be an experienced machinist, while pursuing his Associates, Bachelors, and then his Master’s Degree in Manufacturing Systems. Maurilio states if he could give new student’s advice, he’d tell them to be prepared for challenges, stay focused, don’t give up, and move forward with your new rewarding career.