JOB CORPS A group of Joliet Job Corps Center Cement students set the forms and then finished the new slabs of concrete for a picnic shelter in Winthrop Harbor, Ill.
It was volunteer work. They were helping Trentin Heiny, a Winthrop Harbor resident, with his Eagle Scout project for Boy Scout Troop 667. A member of the Plasters and Cement Masons of Northern Illinois Local 11,
- Joliet Job Corp Center students Jose Govea (left) and Jennifer Vega (right) finish the cement floor of the picnic shelter.
Mr. Clary’s union, had asked for the students’ assistance. Mr. Clary thought it was a great idea. “It was a good experience to work on a project of that magnitude,” he said.
On July 15, students Tiara Ferguson and Jose Govea made the two-hour trip north with Mr. Clary. Jose, Matt Loehman, Jennifer Vega and Dewaun Thompson returned there on July 19.
Although it was very hot on those days, the students enjoyed the work, particularly because they worked side-by-side with professional cement masons. “It was inspiring,” Jennifer said. “Everyone else on the job knew what they were doing. That is what I want to do – be a pro.”
For Jose, it wasn’t work, it was fun. “We got to experience what it’s like to go on a real job,” he said.
Working alongside members of the cement union was eye-opening for Matt. As he worked, he could see his future unfold in front of him. “These are guys who love this stuff,” he said. “I should be able to find a career where I feel the same way.”