Meet Jacob Corona Cordero, who is currently a third-year carpenter apprentice at JP Cullen. In this role, Jacob attended school through the Union and is actively in the learning phase of his career. Currently, he is working on the Kikkoman jobsite where he is assigned to light-duty tasks.
What Sparked Your Interest in Construction?
My interest in the construction industry began when I participated in Operation Fresh Start (OFS). The program offered both conservation and construction tracks, allowing participants to earn school credits through work experience. I had a supervisor who introduced me to the construction side, and while remodeling a house, I became fascinated by the process, the tools, and especially the carpentry aspect of the trades.
Experience with Operation Fresh Start:
My experience with OFS has been incredibly positive. The program helped me discover my passion and guided me in researching different career paths within construction. It opened my eyes to the possibilities of travel and the variety of work available in the field. OFS played a major role in deepening my interest in carpentry.
OFS Award Recognition:
I was honored to receive the Charles Jackson Transformation Award from OFS. This award recognizes past participants who have overcome challenges and achieved self-sufficiency and success in life.
Insights About the Program:
OFS is committed to helping participants understand the program and its impact. The staff takes the time to explain things thoroughly, and if they don’t have an answer, they will research it to ensure they can provide accurate information. Their dedication helps participants see how their work benefits the community.
Proudest Achievement:
My proudest achievements include becoming part of the OFS family and being offered a position with a large construction company, which allowed me to pursue carpentry professionally.
Best Advice Received:
The best advice I’ve received is: “You control your environment.” Showing up with a positive attitude can influence others, even if they’re having a bad day. Always be polite. The more positivity you bring, the more you can impact the emotions of those around you.
Most Inspirational Figures in Your Career:
My dad has been a major inspiration—he encouraged me to get involved and taught me roofing skills early on. Grace Coleman, my supervisor at OFS, helped me grow and always found answers to my questions. Jimmy Gilbertson, a carpenter foreman at JP Cullen, has also been a role model. He taught me that there are no dumb questions and always took the time to show me how things are done. His support helped me overcome shyness and become more confident in speaking up and solving problems.
