The Whitney Young Job Corps Center has been the foundation for Autumn Hinkle to begin her career. She attended Whitney Young Job Corps on February 13, 2017 with the goal of completing her high school diploma and obtain a Culinary Arts skills trade certification. At age 20 Autumn was working as a cashier in Chattanooga, TN and realized she was not getting anywhere nor making much money. Being that her dad had attended another Job Corps Center in California, she thought maybe she should follow his footsteps and give it a try. Now Autumn has her Penn Foster high school diploma, and has both a CPR and ServeSafe certification in the Culinary Arts trade. While in the Culinary Arts trade, Autumn participated in the Work Base Learning program, giving her real hands on experience at a local restaurant. After completing 6 weeks with impeccable work ethics, they hired Autumn for another 5 weeks with pay. This gave Autumn an opportunity to save money for when she leaves the Job Corps program. Autumn also worked on campus in the cafeteria gaining more hands on invaluable experience in her trade. Autumn said she is going back to her hometown to start a career in Culinary after she graduates today. She has a position in the culinary industry, and would like to start a catering or baking business eventually. While at Whitney Young Job Corps Autumn had a very high reading TABE (The Adult Basic Education) score of 778 and enjoys non-fiction and historical readings. She also enjoys writing and baking because it’s relaxing.