Job Corps – a Path for a Successful Future
February 13, 2024If you are interested in learning skills in specific training areas through the nation’s largest residential career training program, check out Job Corps! Eligible young people ages 16 to 24 can complete their high school education, train for meaningful careers, and get assistance with obtaining employment. Students have access to room and board while in training for up to three years. And even better: Job Corps is fully funded by the federal government and is FREE to eligible students and their families.
What Is Job Corps?
Job Corps is a career and education program that helps young people advance their education, begin a career, get a better job, and make more money. Job Corps also provides transitional support services, such as help finding employment, housing, child care, and transportation. Job Corps might be right for you if you are 16 to 24 years old, a citizen, permanent resident, refugee, asylee, parolee, or on DACA status, and meet income qualifications. Job Corps also now offers virtual enrollment for new students who may not yet be ready for a full-time residential experience.
What Programs Are Available at Job Corps?
Job Corps offers career technical skills training in 10 high-growth industry sectors:
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Automotive and Machine Repair
- Construction
- Finance and Business
- Healthcare
- Homeland Security
- Hospitality
- Information Technology
- Renewable Resources and Energy
- Transportation
For instance, if you are interested in healthcare, you could enroll in the pharmacy technician program at the Springdale Job Corps Center in Troutdale. Pharmacy technicians measure, mix, count out, label, and prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. They go to work for pharmacies, including those found in grocery stores, in drug stores, and in hospitals, and often interact with patients. The pharmacy technician program provides students the opportunity to earn credentials that may lead to greater employment opportunities, higher wages, and promotions.
In Oregon, around 30 career programs are available at one of the six Job Corps centers:
- Angell Job Corps Center in Yachats,
- Partners in Vocational Opportunity Training (PIVOT) Job Corps Center in Portland,
- Springdale Job Corps Center in Troutdale,
- Timberlake Job Corps Center in Estacada,
- Tongue Point Job Corps Center in Astoria, and
- Wolf Creek Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center in Glide.
For more information, visit www.jobcorps.gov or call (800) 733-5627.