For many young adults finding their place in the world is an ongoing quest. Perhaps college is just not the best path at this time. Job Corps is a great option for some providing training to help find a career that fits them well.

One Northlands student, Kyle Freeman has worked hard to overcome what has become an all too typical story to position himself for success. Kyle is from Dayville Connecticut, his parents separated and he lived with his father until he was eighteen. He moved in with his mother and they moved around a lot nearly homeless. He took a job as a machinist, paying their bills while trying to establish a home. He wanted more for himself and his mom so he took the advice his father had given him many times. Try Job Corps.

Kyle came to Northlands in January 2013, he was 21. Accepted students are given three choices of study to begin the process of finding their best fit. They attend these courses as observers (shadowing) then choose which they would like to pursue. Kyle walked into the welding building and said it just felt right.

He has excelled at the program, earning industry recognized certifications in “vertical” and “overhead” stick as well as “vertical wire fed” welding. He has just completed a “flux core gas less” certification that only the instructor has achieved. He also has an OSHA 30 (occupational safety and health administration) certification qualifying him to monitor job safety at a foreman’s level.

Kyle has been accepted to an “advanced training” program and will be leaving Northlands to finish his training at the Gary Job Corps center in San Marcus, Texas. There he will be studying at the Transportation Communication International Union School, with a goal of working in the railroad industry.

Kyle is the perfect example of what Job Corps is all about. He took advantage of a chance to learn, work hard and become a successful individual.