CLEARFIELD — Job Corps student Jeff Wilde recently spent an entire day with U.S. Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah and his staff, learning the day-to-day aspects of a congressmen’s job.
Wilde, a Kaysville resident, came away surprised at some of the things he learned, and the experiences he had, shadowing Matheson and being mentored by the congressman’s staff.
This event, sponsored by the Friends of Job Corps Congressional Caucus, was designed to expose Job Corps youth to the inner workings of a congressional district office.
The one-day internship with Matheson was part of the Mentor a Job Corps Student Day.
“The whole day was a great experience,” said the 25-year-old Wilde. “They showed me what they do for the community. I was part of the team for the day.”
He learned that those who are turned down for community services may go to their congressman for help. Wilde said he learned they do have options.
“I found it really refreshing. We need to have confidence in people who are our representatives,” said Wilde, who is a student at Clearfield Job Corps.
Business Community Liaison Lisa Spencer said Wilde attended a leadership conference before he was selected to be part of the mentor program.
“We felt he would be a good candidate for the opportunity,” Spencer said.
According to a press release, Wilde, a high-achieving student, was selected to participate in this event because he was eager to learn more about elected officials and the role they play to protect and strengthen local services to constituents.
Wilde said he learned a lot about who to vote for and about expressing opinions.
“There are more options. I understand what is available, not just what we see on TV all of the time,” Wilde said, adding that he has more faith in the political system.
Wilde is a business technology student and has been studying at the Clearfield campus for four months. He plans to continue his education at Clearfield Job Corps by going to college there when he completes this course.
The Mentor a Job Corps Student Day sponsor, Friends of Job Corps Congressional Caucus was established in 2006 to heighten the awareness and appreciation for Job Corps among policy-makers, Administration decision-makers and the broader public, according to the press release.
Job Corps’ residential career training program provides young adults with high school diplomas and industry-recognized credentials. Graduates leave the program armed with quality social and employable skills that employers regularly cite as the most important entry-level workforce qualification.
Job Corps’ graduate placement rate is more than 84 percent nationwide.
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