After serving in the Marine Corps, Scottei Montero found himself uncertain about his next steps. Comfortable with structure and the opportunity for rapid growth in the military, he felt that returning to traditional schooling was too slow and inflexible.
While in the Marines, many of his peers often discussed lucrative careers in welding and similar blue-collar fields. Growing up in the Bronx, Scottei had not learned about many blue collar, technical opportunities, and his interest in welding was piqued. After hearing his friends discuss Job Corps’ self-paced structure and hands-on training, Scottei decided to sign up for his next chapter.
Scottei arrived at the Northlands Job Corps Center in Vermont to pursue welding, determined to excel and ready to immerse himself in the curriculum. Within a few weeks of arrival, the self-paced courses allowed him to quickly advance through the industry-standard welding requirements.
“It was completely your own pace, and I loved it.”
By the end of the program, he had earned AWS Welder Certification, Blue Flag and FRA/AR Regulation Certifications. After completing his Welding training at the Northlands Job Corps Center, Scottei chose to pursue Advanced Transportation Service Worker training through the TCU/IAM Advanced Training Rail Mechanical Service program at Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center.
Beyond industry-recognized credentials, Job Corps offered connections that paved the way for Scottei’s career.
“Job Corps is a great opportunity. It’s not going to be the easiest thing. Just keep going, and you’ll get somewhere.”
“The advanced programs are good because you get to learn more things, but also get the connections,” Scottei said. “The connections really go a long way.”
Relationships with his peers at Job Corps led him to serve as dorm president at both the Northlands and Excelsior Springs Job Corps Centers, allowing him to develop leadership skills he still applies to his work today. Introductions made by his Job Corps instructors opened doors at Amtrak, where Scottei secured his first railroad welding position in Minnesota. He earned over $150,000 in his first year. During his transition to the full-time position, Job Corps covered his travel expenses and first month’s rent, ensuring a smooth transition to independent living.
At just 26, Scottei is a diesel mechanic with a foreman promotion. Every day, Scottei uses the skills he learned in Job Corps at his job. “Everything I learned from fabricating to welding was essential for my job. I was able to succeed with it.”
His advice to Job Corps students? Stay focused.
“Job Corps is a great opportunity. It’s not going to be the easiest thing. Just keep going, and you’ll get somewhere.”