Academic Manager Laura Rocha explains the Job Corps program to the guests.

During the Center Industrial Council meeting held on June 30, the focus was on the Cement and Tile Setting Trades.

Among the guests were William Breheny and Gavin Collier represented the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, and Jayne Vellinga of Chicago Women in Trades. Mr. Collier is an instructor at the union’s District Council Training Center.

“I’ve had three students in my last couple of classes that are graduates of Job Corps,” he said. One of them recently finished the program and soon will be on the job, Mr. Collier said.

Tiara Ferguson, a Cement student, spoke to the group and explained that she was applying for Advanced Training. Jenna Caw-thon talked about her family’s history with tile — her father and grandfather work in the trade, and that inspired her to pursue it too.

Mr. Breheny offered advice for all of the students. “You have to be ready to work,” he said.