When Jasmine Simpson decided to attend the Joliet Job Corps Center, she brought her ambition with her.

She arrived at the Center in October 2012, and was determined to take advantage of every opportunity. She completed the Tile Setting and Cement Masonry trades, obtaining certifications in OSHA10 and First Aid/CPR. She also played on the Lady Jaguars Basketball Team, served as Vice President of the Student Government Association and was President of the CCP Mentors, the C.J. Walker Dorm and Grad 90.

When Jasmine finished her work at the Center, she went to the Advanced Training Program for Cement Masonry at the Gary Job Corps Center, San Marcos, Texas. After completing that program, she entered the apprenticeship program for Chicago Women in Trade, and her goal is to find a union position in the construction industry.

She finished that program earlier this month and is applying for positions in the tile and cement industries. She currently is working at a logistics company based in Joliet, her longtime home. She’s bought a car and is ready to take a new job anywhere in the Chicagoland area.

Left to right: Tile Instructor Sandra Novak, former student Jasmine Simpson and Cement Instructor Robert Clar