COLORADO—The expectation for each student who enrolls in a Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers is that they graduate with the credentials to pursue a gainful career. But Forest Service Job Corps staff equally emphasize to the students in their care that success in life goes beyond earning a high salary or professional achievements.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park 2021 Employee of the Year Brad Roberts took that lesson to heart. He is a 1992 graduate of Oconaluftee Job Corps Center. Names of Oconaluftee staff who set him on the path to achieve both a career and a life outside of work built upon family, friends, and giving back, roll off Roberts’ lips. Calvin Carter, Dean Smith, Rusty Hundley and Mike Watson are a few of the mentors Roberts says most impacted his development.

“When I enrolled in Job Corps, I would have never thought it would shape me and change my life like it did,” said Roberts. Today, he continues to use and pass on the life lessons he learned at Oconaluftee. “Take the time to listen to someone even if you just met them. Be the mentor—treat them like a friend if you have a skill or knowledge that can help someone move forward in their life.”

Roberts was selected as Employee of the Year based on his outstanding performance, natural leadership abilities and care for people. Roberts has worked at the park for 30 years. As the maintenance mechanic supervisor, he supervises 14 staff members and oversees preventive and unplanned maintenance and project planning for buildings on the Tennessee side of the park.

“Brad is a natural leader and sets the example for others to follow, with an infectious positive attitude and demeanor,” said park Acting Chief of Facility Management Barbara Hatcher.

Roberts deflects this praise. “It was all the staff of the Smokies that made it possible for me to receive this award,” he said. “From the people who believed in and trusted me to the people who helped me and pushed me further than I thought I could ever go.”

Robert’s humor is wry and infectious. He is quick to relate the backstory of why he enrolled at Oconaluftee Job Corps. “Oconaluftee was not my first choice; I really didn’t know anything about the center or the Job Corps program,” he said. A close high school friend got into trouble that landed him in the juvenile justice system. A judge encouraged him to enroll in Job Corps and pursue a new path.

“I was 16 at the time and having some difficulty with school,” said Roberts. Encouraged by his friend to also enroll in Job Corps, Roberts told him, “I’m not going to get in trouble just to enroll in Job Corps.” After learning he could volunteer, Roberts and his mother met with a recruiter. The recruiter let slip his friend’s name, knowing Roberts was from the same town and was attending Raleigh Job Corps.

Turning to Roberts, his mom asked him if that was behind his sudden interest in Job Corps. “You grandpa believes in you,” she told Roberts. “I’ll sign the papers, but you are not going to go to the same.” They settled on Oconaluftee because it had a carpentry program and was within a few hours driving distance.

After graduating from Oconaluftee, Roberts worked at Great Smoky Mountains National Park as a “student in training.” He  was appointed to a permanent position in in 1992 and began earning regular promotions. Although GSMNP management is currently encouraging him to apply for another promotion, these days Roberts prefers focusing on his family rather than chasing a job with a higher salary. He and his wife Karen have four children and three grandchildren to keep them busy. He also loves to fish, hunt and take motorcycle rides. Roberts’ plan is to retire in nine years.

“When I enrolled in Job Corps, I didn’t know what to expect,” said Roberts. “I would have never thought it would shape me and change my life like it did.”

For students currently enrolled in Job Corps, Roberts advises them to learn all they can and lean on instructors for advice, knowledge and real-world experience. “Students should push themselves out of their comfort zone and don’t just do what is expected. Let your life light shine.”