LEARNING TO BE SUPERMAN

Kevin Levy was an inner-city kid with an out-of-doors dream, “I really wanted to continue to be a role model for my brothers like when we were kids. The best way for me to do that was to follow my dream of being a Fire Fighter. In order to do that, I needed to get a foot in the door and I am doing that here at Trapper Creek [Job Corps].”

Wildfire fighting is a growing field with real opportunity for individuals interested in preserving national resources. In addition, the field is changing and demands workers who are willing to think creatively about the latest problems associated with fire control and suppression. As forests go up in flame faster than their natural replacement allows, the need for qualified fire fighters increases. And when those fires spread across the boundaries between conservation areas and settled populations, the demand for skilled forestry workers escalates all the more.

This is where Job Corps and the US Forest Service (USFS) intersect; and it is here that Kevin Levy seeks to fulfill his dream of becoming a Fire Fighter, “My dream job is to be a Super Hero…like Superman! But since I can’t be that I want to be the next closest thing…a Fire Fighter! I want to save people, to lend a helping hand; that’s the kind of person I’ve always been. I want to make sure that everyone in the world is safe from all danger. In my mind, the only job that can measure up to a Super Hero is the job of Fire Fighter!”

Trapper Creek Job Corps operates one of five Department of Labor funded, Forestry Conservation and Firefighting career technical training programs. In a period of typically 8-12 months, students receive training in Introduction to Natural Resource Management, Forestry Equipment, Silviculture, Tree Climbing, Fire Management, Timber Valuation, Land Measurement and Incident Command System Training.

Additionally, eligible graduates will also receive the certification required for becomeing a Type 2, Forest Firefighter.

What makes a young man want to be a Super Hero? We recently sat down with Kevin to find out:

THE INTERVIEW

[Question]  What was your childhood like?

[Kevin] My childhood was O.K. – As a kid I had four brothers; two older and two younger. Most of them looked up to me as a role model. During that time in my life my dad was always in jail which forced me to mature early and grow up quickly.

[Question] In your early years, who was the most influential person in your life?

[Kevin] There was not one specific person who influenced me to do well. It was more like anyone I saw doing the right thing; teachers, fire-fighters, cops, store clerks, anyone with a job influenced me!

[Question] How long have you been in the Job Corps program?

[Kevin] I have been enrolled for almost 8 months now. I really enjoy the skills I am learning here.

[Question] What area are you training for in Job Corps?

[Kevin] My career technical training area is Natural Resources; which is involved with Forestry, Fire-fighting & Urban Forestry skills.

[Question] What made you want to attend the Job Corps Program?

[Kevin] I really wanted to continue to be a role model for my brothers like when we were kids. The best way for me to do that was to follow my dream of being a Fire Fighter. In order to do that, I needed to get a foot in the door and I am doing that here at Trapper Creek.

[Question] Why conservation?  What interest you in the subject?

[Kevin] I have found that I am that type of person; I want to conserve. I look forward to saving things for future generations. I believe that the more we conserve, the more future generations can use.

[Question] If you did not attend Job Corps, where would you be?

[Kevin] I would probably be working dead-end jobs, and still living with my mom. I would definitely be regretting the fact that I gave up an opportunity as great as this!

[Question] How has the Job Corps Program changed your life?

[Kevin] My successes here have shown me that I CAN do something if I apply myself.

[Question] How would you describe Job Corps to someone who had never heard of the program?

[Kevin] I would tell them that Job Corps is a place that you can expand your outlook on life and gain valuable career experience at the same time. Job Corps is a place to learn new skills, skills that you didn’t even know you had in you.

[Question] What types of skills have you learned through Job Corps or through life experience?

[Kevin] At Job Corps I have “learned ‘how’ to learn”! That has enabled me to acquire skills in teamwork and communications; and fundamentals like math, and reading.

[Question] How have you changed because of the Job Corps experience?

[Kevin] My life is different now. My world is bigger, my horizons have broadened; in my work world and life in general!

[Question] Do you have a deeper appreciation of nature and the environment because of this experience?

[Kevin] Yes I do…but I hate bugs! I want to know the way trees grow and how wildlife survives in the wilderness. I enjoy the outdoors and all that is in it…except bugs!

[Question] What kind of work would you most like to do when you leave the Job Corps program?

[Kevin] I want to continue to learn about forest fires and how to fight them, how to prevent them. I want to be a fire fighter.

[Question] Where do you see yourself in 5 years?  10 years?

[Kevin] In 5 years I would love to have already achieved my goal of being a Fire Fighter. I would like to be able to help take care of my family. I would like to have added more certifications to my High School diploma, to have a family of my own and to be able to support them.

[Question] Do you envision a career with the Forest Service in your future?

[Kevin] Every day when I go to my Natural resources trade I envision myself with a career in the U.S. Forest Service. I admire the attitude they portray, their interest, care and concern for their job. I want to be like that.

[Question] What would you tell young kids who are thinking of entering Job Corps?

[Kevin] I would tell young kids thinking about coming to Job Corps to bring with them a positive attitude. I would tell them to stay focused while they are here. I would tell them that Job Corps is what you make of it so set the bar high for yourself, always, and you will accomplish what you come for!

POISED FOR SUCCESS

Most recently, Kevin received high honors at Trapper Creek, being selected from among 200 of his peers as the recipient of the Center Director’s Award; recognized for his leadership, integrity, dedication and single-minded commitment to doing what it takes to achieve his dream.

In a widely circulated letter, the Chief of the U.S. Forest Service recently stated that Job Corps will be a large part of the ongoing restructuring of the USFS fire program.

With the U.S. Forest Service, Trapper Creek Job Corps and students like Kevin Levy ready to step in and step up, the constituent parts required for a long and mutually beneficial relationship for our forests and our communities are firmly in place.