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Phoenix Job Corps Plastering Graduate Lands Concrete Job

Phoenix Job Corps Plastering Graduate Lands Concrete Job

Ishara Banganyigabo, 21, graduated from Phoenix Job Corps with a certificate in Plastering. He’s currently working at JD Steel in a construction apprenticeship program that includes pouring concrete, making over $19 an hour. His goal is to be an Ironworker which he has already received certification in.

His parents, two sisters and five brothers came to the United States a couple of years ago. His family is from Congo but Banganyigabo grew up in Uganda.

“When I came to the U.S. in 2016 I wanted to get a good education,” says Banganyigabo. “I learned about Phoenix Job Corps just before I turned 18.” He definitely recommends Phoenix Job Corps and plans to tell everyone, including his friends, about it.

As for his Plastering Instructor at Phoenix Job Corps, Steve Tasco, Banganyigabo says, “He’s the best teacher I have ever met. He’s a parent.”

While at Phoenix Job Corps, Tasco says Banganyigabo worked full-time while learning the trade.

“He came in as a Career Preparatory Phase (CPP),” says Tasco. “He wasn’t sure what he wanted to do, actually thought about going to college…but I told him how much money he could make in the trades.”

Tasco says any union-related job provides insurance, benefits and advancement opportunities.

“After Banganyigabo completed a trade, we sent him to Gladiator Training to see if he’d like it,” Tasco says. “Gladiator training is the training they do for the ironworkers here in Phoenix. He did the Gladiator training and really liked it and they liked him a lot. The following week, JD Steel hired him right away.” Apprenticeship programs, like Banganyigabo is in, usually last about 3-4 years.

Tasco says there’s a big demand for plasterers, electricians and those in masonry. He says if Banganyigabo decides to pursue plastering as a career, markets like California and Nevada pay plasterers union wages of close to $40 an hour. Plasterers make a little less in Arizona.

“I just want to thank Phoenix Job Corps for giving me this opportunity,” says Banganyigabo. “If there’s any way to pay back, I’d do that. The staff at Phoenix Job Corps encourages the students to always listen to the instructors. The staff members are the ones who layout a good foundation for the students.”

By Melody Birkett, Business & Community Liaison

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