For Pittsburgh Job Corps graduate Justin, returning to campus recently meant more than coming back to where his career journey began. This time, he returned as a skilled professional—operating the kind of heavy equipment that current students are training to work with themselves.
Justin graduated from Pittsburgh Job Corps’ Heavy Equipment Operators program in 2022. From there, he continued building his skills through an apprenticeship with the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 66.
Today, Justin works with Allegheny Crane and earns more than $130,000 a year—a powerful example of what can happen when training, industry partnerships and career opportunities come together.
Recently, his career brought him back to Pittsburgh Job Corps, where he helped with a roof renovation project on the campus.
For current students, Justin’s return provided something even more valuable than seeing an alumnus succeed. They had the opportunity to get an up-close look at the crane he operates, valued at more than $2 million, and to see firsthand the equipment, technical skills and responsibilities involved in the profession.
It also gave students a tangible picture of where their own training can lead.
Justin’s journey reflects the importance of creating clear pathways from education and training to employment. For young people who may not see a traditional four-year college path as the right fit, career and technical education can connect their abilities and interests with industries looking for skilled talent.
Those connections matter to employers, too. As industries work to fill skilled positions and prepare for future workforce needs, programs like Job Corps help develop talent with hands-on experience and industry-relevant training.
Justin’s story also has a family connection. His father is a member of IUOE Local 66 and works with Pittsburgh Job Corps students in the Heavy Equipment Operators program, helping another generation build the skills needed to enter the field.
From Job Corps student to apprentice to skilled professional, Justin has continued moving forward at each stage of his career. His return to Pittsburgh Job Corps brought that journey full circle—and showed today’s students what can be possible when talent, training and opportunity connect.
Now, Justin isn’t just building with heavy equipment. He is helping the next generation see where their own skills can take them.
