Gary Job Corps Center

A cement mason with 24 years of experience, Brian Fierros graduated from his OPCMIA apprenticeship in 1997 and is a member of OPCMIA Local #394 in Phoenix. He was a Job Corps instructor for five years before becoming regional coordinator one year ago. “As an instructor, Job Corps impacted me both personally and professionally,” he said. “I am passionate about being a cement mason and have now had the great opportunity to teach the craft to our youth. One of the biggest rewards is to hear from my former students, thanking me for teaching them and hearing how positive and meaningful their lives are now.”

Jesus Rea brings 26 years of combined experience in the cement industry, including 14 years as a journeyman with the OPCMIA. He now serves as an instructor with the National Plastering Industry’s Joint Apprenticeship Trust Fund (NPIJATF), where he is dedicated to mentoring and training the next generation of plasterers and cement masons. Dependable and motivated, Jesus takes pride in developing lesson plans and delivering instruction that prepares young men and women to succeed in their careers and meet the high standards of the industry.

A 25-year OPCMIA plasterer, Nicho Garcia brings 21 years of teaching experience to his position as Plastering Instructor at the Gary Job Corps Center. “Job Corps has given me the opportunity to give back to today’s youth with a skill that will lead to a prosperous career,” he said. “It has also taught me to be a more effective instructor by understanding how every student learns differently.”