Gary Job Corps students leave lasting impact

By Anthony Collins

LPR Editor                                                         

Since its founding in 1965, the Gary Job Corps Center has been a cornerstone of workforce development in Central Texas, equipping young people with valuable vocational skills while giving back to the community in meaningful and lasting ways.

     From welding and carpentry to heavy equipment operation and machining, students enrolled in the Job Corps’ various training programs have contributed their talents to projects that improve the quality of life across the region. A series of impactful community initiatives highlight the extent of their involvement.

    In 1993, students from the Heavy Equipment Operator program played a vital role in building the original San Marcos Children’s Playscape. In partnership with local businesses, the students used loaders and backhoes to move and place railroad ties, laying the foundation for what would become a beloved recreational space for local families.

     In Maxwell, Texas, students from the electrical, welding, and carpentry trades teamed up to help construct a new fire station, a facility that now serves as a critical component of local emergency response infrastructure. Their hands-on work not only contributed to a safer community but also provided real-world experience that will guide their future careers.

     A similar spirit of service was shown in Martindale, where concrete students built an ADA-compliant ramp for City Hall, ensuring accessibility for all visitors. Welding students added custom handrails, and one talented machinist student designed the Martindale City Seal, now proudly displayed as a symbol of community and craftsmanship.

     These projects are just a few examples of how Gary Job Corps students are applying their learned skills to serve others while preparing for successful futures.