“We’ve been associated with the San Diego Job Corps Center for the past eight years,” advised Doug Walters, Operations Manager for ISEC Incorporated, located on Carroll Canyon Road in San Diego.  The company was founded in 1967 in Colorado as the Intermountain School Equipment Company and has offices throughout the United States and Canada. 

ISEC is an award winning specialty contractor specializing in commercial finished carpentry, millwork, and ornamental medal and employs a combined 80 administrative and field staff members in San Diego.  They’ve recently completed projects such as Camp Pendleton Naval Hospital in Oceanside, Rady Children’s Hospital San Diego, the San Diego International Airport, and the new San Diego Central Library.

“In 2010 we began seeking more diversity of thought in our workforce,” Walters stated.  “Job Corps was a logical place to pursue this goal as they have a diverse student population. Our Installation Coordinator Jason Sandoval and I had visited the center on numerous occasions and worked with their Carpentry trade instructors and students.”

During their visits to the San Diego Center they met Kathryn Keller, a Carpentry trade student.  Kathryn had enrolled in Job Corps in 2010, earned her high school diploma, and  was nearing completion of her trade when an opportunity arose to work at ISEC. “We’ve hired several Job Corps students in the past,” advised Jason Sandoval, “and we hired Kathryn because she was highly-qualified for the position.”   He continued that Kathryn has become an excellent employee.  “She is punctual, reliable, hardworking, and gets along with everyone.  Kathryn is also 1 of only 2 female installers of the 40-50 carpenters who work for ISEC in San Diego.”

Kathryn was also praised by her Job Corps Carpentry trade instructor Ed Miles.  “She was a serious, dedicated student, paid attention to detail, and was a team player in class,” Miles advised.  “Kathryn excelled in building cabinets, which was instrumental in her being hired by ISEC.  I’m proud of what she has accomplished since she first enrolled in Job Corps.”
 
“I’m grateful for the opportunity Job Corps and ISEC gave me to pursue a career in the carpentry field,” Kathryn stated.  “My instructors Ed Miles and Wally Husted were excellent teachers who emphasized the importance of having a strong work ethic, being on time for work, working hard, and getting along with others.  I also received excellent safety training, especially working with power tools.”  Kathryn added that she specializes in cabinets, shelving, and carpentry work at ISEC and enjoys both working for the company and learning new skills.