Davante Mays, 23, is heading to Clearfield, Utah after being accepted into their diesel mechanics program.

“I’ll pretty much just learn how to fix cars and then focus more on how to fix the big machinery such as bulldozers,” said Davante. “I’m going to try and get my hands pretty much on anything. I like to work with my hands so I want to use them wisely.”

This was Davante’s second time at Phoenix Job Corps. The first time he received his high school diploma and trained in security. He left for a year and returned to learn another trade — plastering.

He definitely plans to recommend Phoenix Job Corps to other students.

“Yes, I will tell them to come here and get their trade done and get their high school diploma and try to be successful in life,” said Davante.

Keeping a positive attitude and being focused helped Davante tremendously, according to Phoenix Job Corps Counselor Rose Scott.

“He was always on time, had perfect attendance and always had a great attitude. He came in with his mind set on something and here he is. He achieved it.”

Davante was also active on Center.

“Davante has been involved in a lot of activities on center,” Scott said. “He was involved in student government and had a key role in mediation in the dorms. Davante has been a strong role model in his trade, in his classes and to other students, as well.”

Davante thinks highly of Scott!

“She’s the best thing ever,” Davante said. “She’s been there for me — both good times and while I was down. I’d go talk to her about things and she gave me the best advice on what to do. …I’m glad I met her. She’s the best counselor I’ve ever had in my life.”

As far as long term goals, “my main goal is to create my own business to help kids or other people looking for jobs,” said Davante. “I’ve thought about having my own construction company and my own music company.”

By Business & Community Liaison Melody Birkett