What Happens in the Job Corps?
The Job Corps is a program sponsored by the federal government designed to provide job training to disadvantaged and at-risk youth, ages 16 to 24. Components cover academic, vocational and independent livings skills that are necessary to sustain long-term employment. The Corps uses different training methods and individualized instruction tailored to meet the needs of each student.
The Job Corps first determines the eligibility of any applicants to the program. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawfully admitted legal residents, meet low-income criteria, and be considered at-risk, which includes school dropouts, runaways, foster children, parents and homeless individuals. They must be unable to find work due to lack of technical training or education, or because they need remedial assistance to complete school work. They must also be free of drugs, have a child-care plan if they are a parent, and not have any behavioral problems that prevent them or others from learning.
Career development covers four phases. During outreach and admissions, prospective students learn about the Corps, their responsibilities and their training. Next comes career preparation, which takes 60 days to teach students about workplace responsibilities and develop a personal career development plan for each individual. During the career development phase, students learn technical, communications and social skills, and begin the job search process. Finally, during career transition, students get their first job, find living accommodations and respond to periodic survey requests.
Applicants can choose from more than 100 careers for their training, including automobile technician, licensed practical nurse, dental assistant, carpenter and heavy equipment operator. Training periods, subjects and eventual salaries vary by career. For example, the cement masonry program takes eight months to a year to complete and teaches the properties of concrete, placing and finishing, making repairs, and surface treatments. Green subject areas such as alternative materials and waste management can help make students more competitive in modern industry and green technology. Salaries vary by specialty. For example, students who successfully complete the cement masonry program receive job placement assistance and can enter a profession where salaries typically range from $32,000 to $46,000 per year.
While enrolled in the program, students receive several free benefits to guarantee their success. Most live in on-campus dormitories with roommates, where all are expected to help keep rooms and facilities clean. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are included in the cafeteria, and students receive basic medical and dental care. To broaden the educational horizons of students, the Corps also includes community service projects, arts and crafts, field trips, sports and student government. Drugs and violence are not tolerated, and those who violate these policies are dismissed and not allowed to re-enter the program.
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