Success Story: Mark N. — Nearly Two Decades of Dedication at Amtrak
Mark N. is a shining example of the power of perseverance and skilled training. After completing the TCU/IAM Advanced Training Program at the Los Angeles Job Corps Center, Mark launched his career in the railroad industry and never looked back.
Mark’s success highlights the long-term value of the TCU/IAM Advanced Training Program and the doors it can open in the transportation industry. We’re proud to recognize his achievements and the example he sets for current and future TCU graduates.
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Success Story: Joshua M. — Growing a Career with Metro
In October 2015, Joshua was hired by Metro as a Custodian, taking his first step into public transportation. With strong training behind him and a commitment to doing his best work, Joshua steadily built a strong reputation through dedication and reliability.
His continued hard work led to new opportunities. Over time, Joshua advanced into a higher-skilled position as a Maintainer, proving his ability to learn, adapt, and grow professionally.
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Success Story: Claudia O. — From General Clerk to Purchasing Agent at Metro
In May 2006, Claudia was hired by Metro as a General Clerk. From the beginning, she stood out as someone who took pride in her work, paid attention to detail, and consistently delivered results.
Claudia’s drive and dedication paid off. Over the years, she took on greater responsibilities, applied what she learned through TCU/IAM, and steadily climbed the ladder. Today, she serves as a Purchasing Agent, where she plays a vital role in Metro’s daily operations—managing procurement and ensuring essential resources are acquired efficiently and effectively.
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Success Story: Luz M. — From Training to TSA Triumph
Meet Luz M., a determined and focused individual who turned opportunity into achievement with the help of the TCU/IAM Advanced Training Program in Los Angeles.
In March 2025, Luz began her new career as a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Her journey to this critical role in public safety began with her decision to invest in herself and her future through TCU’s training program.
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Success Story: Steven Glenn — From Student Leader to Amtrak Foreman
After graduating in 2021, Steven set his sights even higher and enrolled in the TCU/IAM Advanced Training Program in Washington, D.C. Completing the program in 2022, he landed his first industry position with Drummac in Lorton, Virginia, working as a Choker—but Steven had bigger dreams.
With a clear goal in mind, he continued pushing forward and was soon hired by Amtrak as a Baggageman in Washington, D.C. His performance spoke for itself. Steven’s dedication, professionalism, and leadership qualities were quickly recognized, and it wasn’t long before he was promoted to Foreman—a position he earned through hard work and a commitment to excellence.
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Success Story: Julio Medina-Cardenas — From Costa Rica to Commuter Rail Success
In June 2014, Julio launched his railroad career with Keolis Commuter Services, starting as a Coach Cleaner at $16.50/hour. But Julio didn’t stop there. His drive and skill led him to quickly transition into a Signalman Trainee role at $18/hour, and soon after, he achieved full Signalman status at $25/hour.
By August 2018, just four years after starting his career, Julio earned a well-deserved promotion to Signal Maintainer. This position reflects both his technical expertise and leadership skills.
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Success Story: Courtney Roark — Building a Career with Purpose at CPKC
Courtney Roark was ready for a change. He wanted more than just a paycheck—he was searching for a career that offered stability, growth, and the chance to be part of something bigger. That’s when he connected with the Transportation Communications Union/IAM and took the first steps toward a new future.
With determination and support, Courtney secured a position as a Gate Clerk with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) in Belton, Missouri. He now earns $18.36 an hour, and more importantly, he’s found a job where he feels valued and motivated.
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Maria Young: From Refugee to Flight Attendant—A Journey of Resilience and Rise
Maria arrived at Gary Job Corps Center in San Marcos, Texas, on June 25, 2017, ready to rewrite her future. She first completed the Office Administration program, then advanced into the TCU/IAM Airline Program, where she thrived. In just six months, Maria completed her airline training, establishing herself as a leader, mentor, and pillar of the Gary Job Corps community.
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Justin Everette: From Electrical Training to Amtrak Red Cap
Justin Everette turned ambition into action through the Job Corps program, starting with Electrical training at Woodland Job Corps Center in Laurel, Maryland. Determined to go further, he advanced to the TCU/IAM Advanced Transportation Training Program at Potomac Job Corps Center, where he gained the specialized skills needed to enter the transportation industry.
After successfully completing the program, Justin was offered a position as a GEB Red Cap with Amtrak at Union Station—a role that puts him right in the heart of the nation’s rail network and on track for long-term success.
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Eugene Martinez: Putting in the Miles to Make It Happen
Eugene Martinez, a determined student from Corcoran, California, is proving that hard work and grit can lead to real success. After completing his basic trade in Facilities Maintenance at the San Jose Job Corps Center, Eugene continued his journey through Advanced Training with the TCU/IAM Advanced Transportation Program—and he hasn’t looked back.
Today, Eugene works as a Coach Cleaner with TASI in San Francisco, earning an impressive $36.46 per hour. His work ethic is unmatched—he commutes over 200 miles daily from Salinas to San Francisco, often working night shifts. When his shifts are close together, Eugene shows how dedicated he is by sleeping in his car to ensure he’s always on time and ready to work.
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Keaton Woestman: Opening the Gate to a Bright Future
Keaton Woestman knew he wanted more than just a job—he wanted a career with purpose. After completing his Advanced Training with the TCU/IAM Advanced Transportation Program at Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center, Keaton took his skills and determination straight into the workforce.
He was recently hired as a Gate Clerk with CPKC in Belton, Missouri, earning $18.36 per hour. In this critical role, Keaton helps ensure the safe and efficient movement of freight, working at the frontline of the transportation industry.
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Zachary Pope: From Heavy Equipment to Union Pacific Rails
Through TCU, Zachary dove into industry-focused training that prepared him for real-world work in freight rail operations. His dedication paid off: Zachary was placed as a Mechanical Service Operator (MSO) with Union Pacific in North Platte, Nebraska—a major hub of the rail industry. He’s now earning $23.96 per hour and building a career with long-term potential.
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Makayla’s Future in Limbo: “TCU Is My Second Chance”
For Makayla Corner, the TCU/IAM Advanced Transportation Training Program isn’t just a place to learn—it’s a lifeline.
“TCU is my opportunity to start a new future and build a career that can change my life,” she says.
Before Job Corps, Makayla—like so many young adults—was facing a future full of uncertainty. She knew she needed structure, guidance, and a real path forward. She found it through TCU: hands-on training, financial literacy, career mentoring, and a supportive community that helped her believe in herself again.
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“Please Don’t Take Away Our Last Hope” – Chloe’s Story
Chloe Lawson is more than halfway through her training in the TCU Advanced Transportation Program at Excelsior Springs Job Corps in Missouri. But now, she and countless others are facing an uncertain future as talks of Job Corps closures threaten to bring it all to a halt.
“Please don’t break the promise we were given… the promise that our past doesn’t define us… We are putting in the work. Please, I beg you, don’t take away our last hope.”
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Taking Off Toward a Bright Future – Cameron’s Success Story!
From day one, Cameron entered the TCU program with a clear goal: to break into the airline industry. After just 7 months of dedicated training and hard work, that dream became a reality when he landed a job as a Ramp Agent at LAX Airport, earning $22.78/hour + benefits—including free travel privileges!
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From the Kitchen to the Checkpoint – Jessiah’s Journey!
There, Jessiah truly shined—completing training in Mass Transit, Amtrak, Freight, and Airline Service, and even earning his driver’s license. With his sights set on public service, he set his goal to become a Transportation Security Officer (TSO) with the TSA.
Through dedication and persistence, Jessiah passed all required assessments and officially began his new career on May 6, 2024. Thanks to his careful savings from LTE jobs, support from the TCU WEP program, and Job Corps transition funds, Jessiah moved into his own apartment and is now living and working independently—and thriving.
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Determined, Focused, and On Track!
Christian Flores joined TCU in January 2023 as an ESL student from Sierra Nevada JCC, determined to chase his dream of becoming a Carman with a Class 1 railroad. With union benefits, strong wages, and railroad retirement on his radar, Christian fully committed himself to the hands-on carman and welding training.
Even when the job search tested his patience, Christian never lost sight of his goal. In June 2024, that perseverance paid off when he landed an Apprentice Freight Car Repair position with Union Pacific, starting at $32.25 per hour.
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From Mississippi to the Rails of Nebraska!
Onterrio Hooker grew up in a small Mississippi town, where the rumble of freight trains sparked a lifelong fascination with railroads. That passion led him to the Mississippi Job Corps, where he trained in welding and discovered his calling in railcar repair.
After completing the program, Onterrio boldly moved to North Platte, Nebraska—a major hub for rail transport. There, he landed a job as a railcar repairman, earning a strong wage of $36/hour. He quickly adapted to the physical, hands-on work, inspecting and repairing trains to keep America’s rail system moving.
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Success Spotlight: Christian Tyler
After completing the TCU/IAM Advanced Transportation Training Program, Christian Tyler is officially on track to an incredible future in rail transportation. He recently began his career as a Conductor with Union Pacific in North Platte, Nebraska—one of the largest rail hubs in the country.
Christian’s hard work is already paying off in a big way:
💰 Hiring Bonus: $15,000
📦 Moving Package: $5,000
💼 Daily Training Wage: $261.59 + per diem
“The TCU program gave me a clear path to success—and the support I needed to stay focused and finish strong,” Christian shared.
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Success Spotlight: Danquez Spann
Danquez Spann is proof that hard work and determination pay off. After completing the TCU/IAM Advanced Transportation Training Program, Danquez landed a full-time MSO (Mechanical Service Operator) position with Union Pacific in Little Rock, Arkansas, earning $23.96/hour.
Danquez entered the program focused, motivated, and ready to build a future—and that’s exactly what he did.
“This program helped me gain the skills and confidence I needed. I’m proud of how far I’ve come,” Danquez said.
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