Job Corps is the nation's largest residential and educational training program for economically challenged youth, ages 16 through 24. Established in 1964 and funded by the Department of Labor, Job Corps has trained and educated more than two million young people to date and continues to serve more than 70,000 young adults each year.Job Corps has 122 Centers located in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. All Job Corps Centers are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Young people who enroll in Job Corps do so to learn the skills they need to become responsible and employable. Job Corps is a voluntary program, and in order to be accepted, applicants must agree to abide by Job Corps' rules and regulations, including the zero tolerance policy for drugs and violence.
While on the center, trainees take part in academic, vocational, and life skills training, all of which promote employability skills and work-based learning. After trainees complete the program, Job Corps provides placement assistance for jobs, further education, and the military, as well as follow-up support.
One important aspect of Job Corps is the Career Development Services System (CDSS). CDSS provides the opportunity for staff to work more closely with young people. During the career preparation period, the first phase of CDSS, trainees are assisted in mapping out a plan for their future education and training. This is their "Personalized Career Action Plan" - a vital link to all trainees' career success.
Operated by the YWCA, it was established in 1965 to provide vocational, academic, social and employability skills training initially to young women who qualified for enrollment. Today, the Los Angeles Job Corps serves 735 young men and women and approximately 1,200 trainees annually. The center is located in downtown Los Angeles surrounded by the business and fashion districts. The center provides:
- ACADEMIC EDUCATION/HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA/GED: reading, mathematics, social skills, health and driver education. Trainees who have not graduated from high school are enrolled in High School Diploma or GED classes.
- VOCATIONAL OFFERINGS: over 30 vocational trades enabling trainees to acquire skills for employment. Before enrolling in training, participants will enter a Career Prep program to help make appropriate career choices. Training completion can be six months up to two years depending on selection of trade. Available vocational training includes:
- Accounting Clerk
- Automotive (Auto Mechanics, Auto Body Repair)
- Culinary Arts
- Electronics
- Construction/Industrial Occupations
- Electronics
- Graphics
- Health Occupations (CNA, LVN, EMT)
- Business Technology
- Computer Assembly and Repair
- Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
Benefits:
Room/Board (for resident trainees)
- Bi-weekly Stipend
- Clothing Allowance
- Free Medical/Dental Services
- Completion Bonus
- Counseling Services
- Child Care Allotment
- Recreational Activities
- Job Placement/Transitional Services
Residential Living:- Trainees enrolled at the Los Angeles Center have a choice of commuting from home or living in the dormitories. The residential component of the program is a distinctive feature of Job Corps, which creates a positive social and physical environment to meet the needs of the trainee.
- Trainees live in comfortable furnished dormitories.
- Each dormitory includes sleeping areas and a lounge where trainees can relax during free time.
- Program Advisors provide trainees with assistance and support.
- Activities and programs in residential living promote cooperation and social development.
- Three wholesome meals are provided daily in a modern dining facility.
