Kelli Cowan: From Uncertainty to a 12-Year Career with Amtrak
Now, 12 years into her career, Kelli reflects on what the TCU/IAM Advanced Transportation Training Program made possible. “It has brought nothing but success to my life. I have a retirement to look forward to—and I would have never been able to get this without attending TCU.”
Kelli’s story is a powerful reminder of how the right training and opportunity can transform lives. “Taking away a program that offers true success will hurt so many futures,” she says.
From uncertainty to long-term career success, Kelli Cowan’s journey proves what’s possible when students are given the tools to succeed—without college debt.
Read More
Kary Kurosawa: “TCU Is My Path Out of Poverty”
For Kary Kurosawa, the TCU/IAM Advanced Transportation Training Program isn’t just a career training opportunity—it’s a lifeline.
“If the TCU program closes, then I will lose everything,” Kary says. For students like Kary, this program isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Read More
Eric Walton’s Future Put on Hold as Potomac Job Corps Faces Closure
“Job Corps and the TCU program gave me a second chance at having a successful career—without the stress and debt of going to college,” Eric shared. “Now I’m just trying to figure out what happens next.”
The news that Potomac Job Corps is scheduled to close before Eric completes his training has left him—and many others—uncertain and frustrated.
Read More
From Welding to the Rail Yard: Jacob Downing’s Journey to a $85K+ Career
Meet Jacob Downing, a proud Carman at CSX Railway in Evansville, IN, earning $40.93/hour — more than $85,000 annually!
Jacob’s path to success started with Welding training at Whitney M. Young Job Corps Center, where he built a solid foundation in skilled trades. He then sharpened his expertise with Railcar Mechanic training at Excelsior Springs Job Corps Center, preparing him for a career in one of the nation’s most critical industries.
Read More
From Job Corps to Union Pacific: Trenton Robinson’s Track to Success
Meet Trenton Robinson — now thriving as an Assistant Signal Person at Union Pacific in St. Louis, IL, earning $36.43/hour — over $75,000 a year!
Read More
Student Spotlight: Jeremy Barnes
Proud IAM District Lodge 141 member since 2016, Jeremy’s salary is set to reach $64,626 annually (based on $31.07/hour full-time) by August 2025—a testament to the growth possible through Job Corps + TCU/IAM.
Read More
All Aboard for the Future of Rail!
Every week, the Transportation Communications Union (TCU/IAM) brings next-level hands-on training to the Hubert H. Humphrey Job Corps students at the historic Jackson Street Roundhouse, thanks to our incredible partnership with the Minnesota Transportation Museum!
Read More
Real-World Training in Action: TCU/IAM Students Join MBTA Survey Project!
On April 30, our TCU/IAM Advanced Training Program at Shriver (Devens, MA) welcomed Keolis Commuter Services and A2 Consulting’s Carole Galliau and C’elia Fahmi to train students for the Spring MBTA Commuter Rail Passenger Survey — an 8-day, paid Work-Based Learning Project!
Read More
Success Story: Aidan Bedsworth – From Job Corps to Railcar Mechanic at GATX
Today, Aidan is employed as a Railcar Mechanic at GATX in Terre Haute, Indiana, earning $25.00 per hour, which equates to an annual salary of approximately $52,000. In this role, he is responsible for maintaining and repairing railcars, ensuring they meet safety and operational standards.
Read More
Women on the Rails: Alexandria Elliott Leads the Way
Alexandria is proudly working at Canadian National Railway as a Track Laborer in Sioux City, IA, earning $32.28/hour — over $67,000/year!
Her journey is a powerful example of what’s possible with hard work, proper training, and a vision for the future. Congrats, Alexandria!
Read More
Nayshyra Hill – Building a Strong Future with Union Pacific
Today, Nayshyra is proud to have launched her career as an Assistant Signal Person with Union Pacific Railroad in Council Bluffs, Iowa. In this role, she plays a key part in maintaining and servicing the essential signal systems that keep rail operations safe and efficient.
Earning $36.43 per hour, Nayshyra is making more than $75,000 annually — a remarkable achievement and a strong testament to where skilled training and determination can lead.
Read More
Gerald Hunley – From Ambition to Achievement with Union Pacific
Through unwavering commitment and the support of his training, Gerald achieved his goal by securing a position as a Railcar Mechanic with Union Pacific Railroad in North Platte, Nebraska. In this role, he contributes to the maintenance and repair of the company’s extensive fleet, ensuring the safety and efficiency of rail operations.
Gerald now earns over $80,000 per year at a rate of $40.96 per hour, a testament to the value of pursuing skilled training and high-demand careers.
Read More
From Jesup, GA to Amtrak in Lorton, VA!
Keyshawn is proud to be launching his career with Amtrak as an Auto Train Attendant in Lorton, Virginia. He expresses deep gratitude to the entire TCU staff for their mentorship and guidance, sharing that he is “grateful from the bottom of [his] heart” for the experience.
Read More
From Job Corps Ambassador to CLEAR Ambassador: Michael Williams’ Journey to Success
Michael began his career with CLEAR in January 2025 as a CLEAR Ambassador, earning $22.00 per hour. His dedication, enthusiasm, and people skills have already made a positive impact, and we have no doubt that his career will continue to flourish.
Read More
Meet Scottei Montero, a trailblazer in the world of railcar mechanics.
From humble beginnings in the South Bronx, Scottei's journey to success is inspiring. A graduate of the Transportation Communications Union/IAM Railcar Mechanics program at Excelsior Springs Job Corps, Scottei wasted no time making his mark in the industry.
Read More
Kevin Barnes Soars as a Cargo Agent at Worldwide Flight Services!
We are thrilled to announce that Kevin Barnes has achieved a significant milestone in his career journey. After completing the TCU/IAM Advanced Training Program at the St. Louis Job Corps Center, Kevin has secured employment with Worldwide Flight Services at Lambert International Airport.
Read More
Meet Harold Tolliver, a rising star in the world of transportation!
Harold's journey began with a solid foundation in the Security field at the Mississippi Job Corps Center. His dedication and passion for learning led him to expand his horizons, and he boldly decided to transition into the dynamic world of transportation with Southwest Airlines.
Read More
Emily Schubnell, Transportation Security Officer at Indianapolis International Airport
Emily Schubnell has embarked on an incredible new chapter in her career journey! After completing the rigorous TCU/IAM Advanced Transportation Training Program in St. Louis, she has proudly accepted a coveted position as a Transportation Security Officer at the bustling Indianapolis International Airport!
Read More
Wenzdae Morales, Special Events Assistant at LA Metro
Wenzdae Morales is kicking off her transportation career on a high note, stepping into the role of Special Events Assistant at LA Metro!
Read More
Vincent Figueroa and Louis Silverburger begin a journey as Passenger Railcar Repairers at Keolis!
Join us in congratulating Vincent Figueroa and Louis Silverburger on their new journey as Passenger Railcar Repairers at Keolis! Starting with an impressive wage of $33.00/hr., they are all set to make their mark in the transportation industry.
Read More
