Certificates of Recognition were given to those who are employed and support the Job Corps CEO, Secretary Central Jennifer Wilner (C)
*Photos by Katherine Massopust

We would like to thank George Petrakakis who invited us to attend a luncheon and presentation at the Job Corps located in Edison. We would also like to thank the students who prepared a delicious meal. 

When students drop out of High School and decide they want to get their GED, a majority of people think the only way to get a GED is going to an Adult High School.

We were pleasantly surprised to see the success rate of the students who attended Job Corps and were able to successfully gain employment. There were many companies in many different trades looking for applicants to fill positions that came with competitive wages and benefits. Applications were also available for job seekers.

Dr. Barrett-Layne

One of the many highlights was speaker Dr. Barrett-Layne. She recalled in her senior year of high school, she had dreamed of becoming a physician and her grades were outstanding. Even her guidance counselor was impressed, but her heart sank when her counselor advised her to become a medical secretary.

Unfortunately at that time, she took that counselor’s advice, but came to realize that she could do much better. She had the good fortune to be able to attend and graduate from the Glenmount Job Corps Center. She received certifications in the medical field including certification as a Medical Assistant, Nursing Assistant, and EKG Technology. Job Corps helped pay for her college education which led her to pursue advanced certification in the field of healthcare education. She received certification to teach in New York City Public Schools. Her credentials are too many to list here. (See complete submitted bio on www.amboyguardian.com by clicking here.)

She is an example to all that through determination you can overcome obstacles. Despite of what advice she was given before graduating high school, she knew in her heart what she could achieve. Job Corps was at the right place at the right time. We were very surprised at what the Job Corps has to offer students, but one has to be willing to put in the work.

There is an age limit to be accepted into the program. The most important aspect of the program is that there are jobs that they train you in the field where jobs are needed. That this evident by the number of diverse employers that were there.

It’s a viable alternative to consider. C.M.

Culinary Students with their Instructor