The New Haven Job Corps trained Tyshawn Beckford so well in the Facilities Maintenance trade that two years later he landed a job on the Center maintenance team.

“I love being here on campus again,” said 27-year-old Tyshawn, Class of 2009. “I wouldn’t trade this job for anything in the world.”

A native of New Haven, Tyshawn dropped out of high school in his teens. He worked in a variety of part- time jobs, but without proper job skills, he was going nowhere. Then one day he met his future wife, Jasmine, who was enrolled at, and later graduated from, NHJCC in the Certified Nurse Assistant program. A few months later, Tyshawn followed her lead and entered as a residential student in Facilities Maintenance.

“It was difficult at first, I’m not going to lie,” he said. “I was used to doing my own thing. But once I got to know a little and understand what was expected of me here, I felt right at home. I was on my way.”

In no time, Tyshawn was a top student, joining the leadership program and becoming a dorm president and CTT Ambassador. His FM instructor also relied on him to help mentor other students in the trade classroom.

The day he graduated, Tyshawn got a job in his field working for a company in Meriden, CT. He worked there for two years before the entire maintenance staff was let go during a management change. While searching a website for local job openings, Tyshawn saw the want ad for NHJCC.
“My eyes lit up,” he said. “It had to be a sign.”

Tyshawn applied for the job, went through the interview process, and was hired by NHJCC in the fall of 2011. Today, he is using his FM skills from electrical to sheet rocking to painting to keep the Center updated and running smoothly. “I do a little of everything here,” he said.

He is also busy in his personal life. He and his wife, Jasmine, who is on leave from her CNA job at an assisted living facility, are expecting twins in the spring.

As for Job Corps, “I would recommend it to anyone who is serious about getting the skills they need to be successful in the workplace,” Tyshawn said. “The staff is here to help you and to guide you there. If you put in the effort, you too will be successful.”