Torran Cox is on his way to a strong career in refractory bricklaying, where just as a journeyman he could make $5,000 a week.

He couldn’t have built that future without the foundation Whitney M. Young Job Corps helped him lay.

Cox is an apprentice bricklayer entering his fourth year – and it won’t be long until he starts making entire pay wages. Currently, he’s learning the art of refractory bricklaying – that is, laying the bricks that line the furnaces used to melt metals such as aluminum and copper. But he couldn’t make it there without first learning at Whitney M. Young.

Cox briefly studied at college, but stopped his education and started working primarily warehouse jobs.

“A buddy of mine told me about Job Corps,” Cox said. “Right at that time, I had just lost my job.”

Even as a student, Cox prided himself on his ability to stay on task and set an example, and valued the approach that Job Corps took.

“They teach them to have a good work ethic, how to be consistent,” he said.

For his current work, Cox travels often for long hours – he doesn’t mind though. His expenses are paid, and he enjoys the variety.

“It feels pretty nice to see different cities, different scenery,” he said. “I never know what I’m going to get myself into.”

When interviewed, Cox had returned to campus for a visit and spoke about how alumni’s experience can help current students soar.

“A lot of graduates that come from here, they need them to come back and tell these stories,” he said. “When I came here, I didn’t think that I would leave and go off and do what I’m doing now. I didn’t see many kids come back and tell their stories.”