“Alex made an excellent first impression when he showed up for work early, properly equipped for the job (safety glasses, high visibility vest, hard hat and tool belt) and ready for work,” wrote Tim Perkins, President, Perkins Masonry, Inc., Escondido, CA. Perkins continued his praise of Alex Comonfort, a recent San Diego Job Corps Bricklayer graduate in a letter to his Job Corps instructor Pete Camarda. “I was truly impressed by the ability of an apprentice to come on the job and demonstrate proficiency, hustle and character under some very difficult circumstances. I will highly recommend Alex to other contractors in need of an apprentice,” Perkins continued. “If we had any more work at this time he would be the first person I would call.”

“It’s always gratifying to receive praise for our graduates,” advised Mr. Camarda, who also serves as the Apprentice Coordinator and Instructor of the San Diego & Imperial Counties Bricklayers and Stonemasons. “Alex and his brother Rolando were my students at pretty much the same time, and they both demonstrated their desire and ability to learn as much as they could while at Job Corps. Their efforts resulted in their becoming apprentices in our Local Union #4D of the Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers.”

A high school graduate, Alex learned about Job Corps from his younger brother Rolando. “Rolando was impressed with what he was learning in the Bricklaying trade and encouraged me to enroll at Job Corps,” advised Alex. “I had been working as a laborer for several years, but I didn’t have any specific skills. Being married with children I realized I had to learn a skill to support my family.” From day one in the trade I enjoyed it,” Alex continued, “Pete was a great teacher and he was patient with all of us. Besides the hands-on skills he taught us, we also learned the practical side of bricklaying and the phrases and terminology used by bricklayers. When I graduated from Job Corps, he also helped me get into the union.”

Alex’s first job after Job Corps was working as a bricklayer apprentice for Masonry Concepts, Incorporated at the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. “The job lasted for 8 months, and from there I went to work for Mr. Perkins in Escondido,” Alex stated. “Twice a month my brother and I are required, as part of our apprenticeship, to attend a class that Pete offers at Job Corps to improve our skills. I’m currently looking for a job,” Alex added. The training and experience I received at Job Corps and from my previous employment makes me confident I will find a good job and be successful in the future.”