Job Corps – a Path for a Successful Future

by Felicia Bechtoldt

September 7, 2018

Abihail Amaral-Uribe is a 22-year-old from Carlton, Oregon who dreams of working in the automotive industry diagnosing and fixing mechanical problems. This is not only a dream, because Abihail is working to make it a reality through her dedication to her training at the Angell Job Corps Center in Yachats, Oregon. The automotive and repair program teaches her the skills required to succeed as a professional automotive technician.
“I started in September and we have two years to complete the program. I wanted to learn something that not all women know, and that’s pretty much automotive stuff. I come from a Mexican household, and women usually don’t do mechanics stuff,” said Abihail.

Abihail recommends Job Corps to anyone who wants a jump-start in their life, but doesn’t know what career they can pursue. “You can try each trade and see which one you would like. I think it’s a great program! I wish more people knew about it,” said Abihail.

Abihail says she has learned a lot at Job Corps, like communication skills, time management, how to find a job and be able to keep it, and using computers to diagnose automotive problems.

At Job Corps, Abihail receives housing, food service, a living allowance, basic health care, and transportation for her initial and final trip to the center and home, all at no cost.

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. This is the largest career program in the U.S., founded in 1964 as part of President Johnson’s War on Poverty, and is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration.

Since 1964, 1.9 million young people have benefited from the program. More than 60,000 youth study in 131 centers nationwide each year. In 2017, nearly 900 students graduated from Job Corps in Oregon. After completion of the program, graduates find employment or enroll in higher education programs.

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. If the applicant has a disability, the maximum age limit can be waived.

What Programs Are Available at Job Corps?

Job Corps offers training in more than 100 occupations across the U.S. including:

  • automotive and machine repair
  • health care
  • information and technology
  • finance and business services
  • advanced manufacturing
  • renewable resources,
  • hospitality
  • culinary arts
  • protective and security services
At Job Corps students have the possibility to take driving lessons, attend college classes at local community colleges and obtain a high school diploma or GED. Students can participate in various recreational activities, such as community service projects, sports, arts and crafts, leadership opportunities, and field trips. Some centers offer childcare assistance for single parents. Resources are available for English language learners.
In Oregon, around 30 career programs are available at one of the six Job Corps centers:

Angell Job Corps Center in Yachats, Students receive housing, food service, basic health care, a living allowance, transition allowance for housing after graduation, and transportation for there initial and final trip to the center and home, all at no cost. While most Job Corps centers offer dormitories to their students, some Job Corps centers serve non-residential students as well. Job Corps centers in Oregon serve a high number of students coming from other states, such as Washington, California, Idaho, and Alaska.

For more information, visit www.jobcorps.gov or call (800) 733-5627.

 


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