Delaware Valley Job Corps class showing ‘dogged determination’

Some might say the Security Trade class at Delaware Valley Job Corps is “going to the dogs.”  They’d be right.  Bailey, a Search and Rescue dog in-training, has been supplementing the Security curriculum.  The animal has been brought onto the center to help expose students to the important role canines play in law enforcement. 

Bailey is not just any ordinary house pet.  She is a certified work and therapy dog, currently training in search & rescue and cadaver recovery.  Bailey is owned by Delaware Valley Job Corps Center Career Preparation Instructor Emy Wilbur.  “Bailey loves the students and enjoys working with them,” Wilbur said.  “Many of our students are not familiar with dogs.  This gives them a chance to understand the challenges and benefits of working with these animals.” 

Bailey benefits from the center visits as she practices her socialization skills in dealing with large groups of people.  Additionally, Wilbur sees another benefit of her dog’s relationship to the center’s 16 to 24 year old students.  “Sometimes Bailey provides ‘pet therapy’ for our students,” she said.  “Living on Center, students often miss their own pets back home.  Bailey uses her therapy training to act as a surrogate.” 

Delaware Valley Job Corps Center Security Instructor George Folk adds, “Although security is a serious trade, there are fun aspects, such as dealing with the highly professional canine units.  Bailey’s center visits are beneficial for our students, allowing them to see other aspects of the security industry.”

Center Director James Turner adds, “Delaware Valley Job Corps is committed to providing ‘cutting edge’ career training instruction.  We strive to expose our student-employees to a wide variety of educational and training opportunities.” 
(Posted 7/10/08)

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