Office Administration completer Carmelita Simms and Culinary Arts completer Dewayne Starks have ended their journey as students at the Joliet Job Corps Center. They now are moving forward to conquer the task of Advanced Training.

Carmelita and Dewayne will be attending the Transportation and Communication Union Advanced Training Programs. Carmelita will study at the St. Louis Job Corps Center in St. Louis, Missouri, and Dwayne will attend the Hubert Humphrey Job Corps Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.

The program prepares students for employment in various transportation industries including the airlines, railroads, trucking and mass transit. Students complete a core curriculum that includes training in business communication, customer service and office skills, and then begin a more work-specific curriculum.

Carmelita is a native of Calumet City, Illinois. While at the Joliet Job Corps Center, Carmelita completed the Office Assistant Trade and obtained her high school diploma and her driver’s license. She also was certified in CPR/First Aid by the American Red Cross and is a certified Microsoft Office Specialist.

“She was a very hardworking young lady who worked diligently to complete any task set before her, and she will be missed,” said Linda Jackson, the Office Assistant Instructor.

Dewayne Starks is a Chicago native. While at the Joliet Job Corps Center, Dewayne completed the Culinary Arts Program and obtained the National Restaurant Association ServSafe Sanitation and Food Handler certifications.

Dewayne was a very active student on the Joliet campus. He was a part of the Student Government Association and served as a member of Dorm Support for his dormitory.

Dewayne also obtained his driver’s license and was certified in CPR/First Aid by the American Red Cross.

“Dwayne was a fabulous student who learned all aspects of the Culinary Arts trade and he evolved into a real leader in the class,” said Cindy Klayman, the Culinary Arts Instructor.

Carmalita Sims

Everyone in the Career Transition Department believes that Carmelita and Dewayne will be great assets to the Advanced Training Programs. The Joliet Job Corps Center’s students and staff send good wishes to them as they begin this new journey.