In December 2018, Alberto Romero arrived at Blackwell Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center in Wisconsin as an 18-year-old kid wanting to escape the prospect of working dead-end jobs for the rest of his life. College was not an option, but Romero knew he needed to invest in his education and gain work skills. “It had always been difficult for me to sit and pay attention in class, so a hands-on, self-paced learning environment sounded like heaven,” he says. “Since the only classes I liked and showed up for in high school were shop classes, Job Corps seemed like a good fit for me.”

At Blackwell, Romero enrolled in welding, a trade in which he had zero experience. He found he had a knack for welding and this, along with the encouragement of his instructors, motivated him to develop his skills further. “My instructors—Mr. VanEpern, Mr. St. Peter and Mr. Kitchmaster—taught me the proper way to weld and also more advanced skills that typically you acquire when you’re further along in your  career,” he said. Not only would his welding instructors encourage him, teachers across the center would congratulate Romero on his progress.

For his work-based learning assignment, Romero was placed at Lakeshore Systems, Inc., a company that designs and manufactures complex heavy machinery for maritime and mining applications. Romero, bolstered by the support of his instructors, focused on acquiring real-world experience as a welder. Lakeshore Systems was so impressed by his skills and work ethic that it offered him a full-time position, which Romero happily accepted.

Romero is grateful to Blackwell Job Corps staff for their impact on his life. “I don’t think I’d be as successful as I am without my welding instructors,” he said. “I’m thankful to Job Corps for the opportunity at Lakeshore Systems and for the support the center provided in helping me move from my hometown of Beloit to Rhinelander. If it wasn’t for Job Corps, I wouldn’t be where I am today.” Blackwell Job Corps is equally thankful that Romero grabbed every opportunity the center officered and are proud to share in his success. 

On Feb. 28, 2021, Blackwell Job Corps CCC ranked number six out of 117 Job Corps centers nationwide. Blackwell’s training model incorporates five key components of an apprenticeship, including a  paid job where students earn industry-recognized credentials while participating in classroom learning and work-based learning, all under the instruction of a mentor. As the nation’s economy recovers, Forest Service Job Corps Centers will continue to provide youth with the skills and work experience to obtain and keep living wage jobs.