This Staff Member at Wilmington Job Corps Will Not Let These Young People Down
Video Recorded Before COVID-19
Shane Darby walks down the halls of the Wilmington Job Corps Center in Delaware checking up on the students. She’s driven by her desire to help them succeed in life.
“So, I put a lot of time and energy into that because they are our future, and we have to care. If no one cares and no one is there to guide them, who’s going to do it? Someone has to do it?”
Shane is the career development coordinator.
“Job Corps is in the city of Wilmington, and I’m from Wilmington,” she says. “So, I take great pride in anything that’s in my city. I also take great pride in our young people. They’re our future. They’re the ones who are going to be taking care of me while I’m old.”
Shane is right there with each student from the moment they enroll in Job Corps to the moment they graduate.
Sharif Byrd graduated in 2018 and is now an apprentice with the local Laborers. Shane was a big part of his success.
“Ms. Darby is the best person you can rely on,” Sharif says, “to get you a really, really good job.” Sharif returned to visit the center and caught up with Shane.
“I just want to tell you that the apprenticeship that you introduced me to, I’m doing very well in it. If it wasn’t for you, I would not be making the money that I’m making now.”
As a career development coordinator, Shane’s job is to make sure graduates move on to good jobs, colleges, apprenticeship programs, the military, or advanced training.
“So, I’m working with them from day one. And plenty of them switch their career pathways, so I’m there guiding them, giving them the advice that they need…A lot of them come here because they’re looking for a change, they want something to change in their life. They want to be able to support themselves and their family. This is perfect.”
Shane understands the challenges a lot of these young people face—and she’s right there to help.
“A lot of them come from the city of Wilmington and there’s little hope…a lot of things that are going on at home and in our community here. And they come to Job Corps…the services that we are offering support the students while they are here to be able to overcome those barriers and obstacles.”
