Whitney Young Job Corps welding graduate Jacques Jones is excited to be a member of the Iron Workers Union Local 397 in Tampa, FL. Before coming to Job Corps, he worked at Rooms to Go a furniture warehouse. After talking with his stepdad he decided to look into job corps to pursue welding and join the union. Eight months after enrolling to the Whitney Young Job Corps program, Jones has his SMAW welding certification and his OHSA 10 certification. Now that Jones has the needed welding skills and certifications under his belt, he is in the apprenticeship program. WOW…. Jones is looking forward to building stadiums and bridges and his new career. He plans to complete the apprenticeship process and become a journeyman in 2-3 years.

After Job Corps Jacques now has a career as a welder and is earning more money to help take care of his family. Before Job Corps he let his mother down – now she is very proud and he has a real purpose in life.