Following President Obama’s State of the Union address on January 24th, Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis traveled to states across the country to talk about the president’s plans to create jobs for an “America Built to Last.”  On January 27th, she visited the San Diego Job Corps Center to see first hand the specialized job training students are receiving in advanced manufacturing and construction trades. In addition, the Secretary was interested in the updated and upgraded “green” procedures and practices that are a part of Job Corps’ Career Technical Training programs curricula.

“It was pretty exciting to meet the Secretary of Labor,” advised 18 year old San Diego Job Corps student Javier Balladares.  Balladeres, who is enrolled in the Plumbing Career Technical Training program, demonstrated some of the skills he is learning  in his trade. “She was very interested in the plumbing and green training we were receiving and our plans for the future.”

Secretary Solis was welcomed to the center by Job Corps students and staff, and Congressman Bob Filner, San Diego City Councilmember Todd Gloria, and members of the business community. During her tour she spoke with students and instructors in the Carpentry, Floor Covering, Bricklaying, Painting, and Tile Career Technical Training programs.  While visiting the Plumbing, Electrical, Welding, and Auto Technician classes, students demonstrated some of the skills they were acquiring to prepare them for the workplace.  At the end of her visit, Secretary Solis enjoyed lunch prepared by the Culinary Arts students, and visited with several students in the center’s cafeteria.

“It certainly was an honor to have Secretary Solis visit our center,” advised Bobby Brown, San Diego’s Center Director.  “She was gracious to all our students and staff members, and expressed how impressed she was by the students she met, and the quality of our training programs and facilities.  She spoke to a lot of student during her tour, and I’m sure it’s an experience they will never forget.”