GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN JOINS THE VOICE FROM PAUL SIMON JOB CORPS CENTER

Rudy Gonzales, a Graphic Design student from the Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Center fulfilling his Work-based Learning requirement at THE VOICE, composes the newspaper’s layout on computer with Senior Art Director Jeff Potter. (Photo by Isaac Jones)
Rudolph Robert Gonzales is the latest Graphic Design student from the Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Center to come to THE VOICE Newspapers to complete his Work-based Learning requirement prior to graduating from the free career training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor and open to men and women ages 16 to 24.
    Rudy was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. He is 24 years old. Gonzales came to the Paul Simon Center in Chicago because it is the only Job Corps site of the 124 nationwide offering training in Graphic Design. He is currently studying for his examination to become an Adobe Certified Expert, along with HTML and XHTML certifications.
    “I enrolled in Job Corps simply to further my education in a field I’ve always been interested in pursuing,” Rudy explains. “Art is part of who I am, so I couldn’t think of a better way to establish a career doing something I enjoy while staying relevant to today’s job market. I would eventually like to have my own graphic design company, branching out into logo design, magazines, television ads, and possibly even animation.”
    Rudy says he also has dreams of succeeding in music, painting, barbering, clothing design, and ministry. “I do realize that it will be a long journey to get where I want to go in my life. But, I’m taking one step at a time in hopes that someday I’ll get there.” About the Job Corps, Rudy says it has been a great experience and he recommends it to anyone looking to gain the skills they need to launch their careers.
    The Paul Simon Job Corps Center is located at 3348 South Kedzie Avenue. It offers free career instruction in nine trades: Office Practice, Pharmacy Technician, Computer Repair, Carpentry, Bricklaying, Painting, Manufacturing, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Graphic Design. Tours of the campus are conducted every Wednesday and applications are accepted throughout the year. Students graduate and new students begin classes each week. Free dormitory housing is provided on campus, meals are provided, and a childcare center is located on the center for students with pre-school aged children. The Job Corps provides instruction leading to high school diplomas or G.E.D. certification. Graduates receive free job placement services and free tuition to attend the Chicago City Colleges.
    For information on career training, tours, and application information, call Beth Allen at the Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Center at 773/890-3131.
    THE VOICE Newspapers is an active member of the Paul Simon Job Corps Center Business & Community Advisory Council.