By:  Jacob Groves

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Muhlenberg Job Corps welding graduate Elijah Taybron, considered an essential employee, is hard at work as a welder at the Newport News Shipyards in Virginia.  Taybron is making $20 an hour and is financially independent, thanks to the job training he received at Muhlenberg Job Corps.

Taybron, who is from Newport News, VA, says that Job Corps taught him more than how to be a good welder.  It also taught him how to be a good employee by being an effective problem solver and communicator and by showing up at work on time and ready to complete the day’s assignment.  He also learned leadership skills while at Muhlenberg Job Corps, serving as a dorm leader and a peer counselor.  Taybron completed his training at Muhlenberg Job Corps in March 2019.

Prior to enrolling at Muhlenberg Job Corps, Taybron worked as a FedEx package handler but knew he wanted more career opportunities.  He got those opportunities and more, thanks to Job Corps.  Careers begin here.