“I was working at minimum wage jobs in Riverside, California and didn’t see a future in any of those jobs,” advised 20 year old San Diego Job Corps graduate Travon Scaife.  “I looked at Job Corps as a stepping stone in finding a career I could advance in.  Enrolling there last year turned out to be a turning point in my life.”

Scaife graduated from Job Corps’ Homeland Security Career Technical Training Program in November, 2012 having already secured a job as a security guard for Securitas USA.  He was recently promoted to a management position and is training for his new position.  “It’s a new challenge and opportunity,” Scaife stated.  “It’s another stepping stone for me.”

“Securitas provides security to thousands of business throughout the country,” Scaife stated.  “Our company’s fundamental values are integrity, vigilance, and helpfulness.  Since I enjoy helping people and keeping them safe, I enjoy working for a company who has values like mine.”

Scaife returned to the San Diego Center on March 13, 2013 to speak with students currently enrolled in the Homeland Security program.  He encouraged them to learn everything they could in class to prepare themselves for a future job.  “There are jobs available,” he advised, “but you have to be willing to work beyond what is expected of you, and show that you’re an employee a company can depend on.”

During his talk Scaife thanked Homeland Security instructor Ray Hondl for improving his work ethic.  “Ray provided the discipline and structure I needed to complete Job Corps, get hired by Securitas, and succeed in my job.”  He viewed speaking to the students as a way of “giving back” to Job Corps for affording him the opportunity to begin his new career. In addition to working at Securitas, Scaife is pursuing an Associate Degree at Mesa College.  “Time is precious,” he advised the students at the end of his visit, “don’t waste it.”