How to Join the Job Corps
Traditional does not work for some of us, especially when it comes to school. There are alternatives available to ensure success in a fast-paced society. Job Corps is a free program through the Department of Labor that provides "career technical training and education programs for students ages 16 through 24." You can get your high school diploma or GED, train for a better-paying career or prepare yourself for college. This program is for dedicated individuals, so there is a process to join.
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Instructions
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How to Join Job Corps
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Call 1-800-733-JOBS (5627). You can speak to someone in English or in Spanish, so don't let a language barrier discourage you from calling. The operator will ask you general information necessary for a prescreening process. This will generally be your age, whether or not you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident and some income information. You have to meet income requirements, which means that you must have limited financial resources to be eligible for the program. While you are in training, you will receive a basic living allowance and that allowance can increase. There is even a transition allowance available after you graduate.
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Get set up with an admissions counselor through the operator at the main call center. This is assuming that you met the prescreening requirements and are ready to move on. Your admissions counselor will be housed in a regional office near you (see Resources for a list of regional offices). This is where your counselor will set you up with an orientation and have you fill out an application that details your personal and financial situation to a greater degree.
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Gather all of the necessary paperwork. In order to join Job Corps, you will need to have no pending court dates or legal situations, a background check, a clean drug test, a physical examination and transcripts from any high schools or colleges you have attended. Your admissions counselor will supply you with all of the necessary paperwork to get this done and guide you through the process.
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Prepare for a one-on-one interview with your admissions counselor. This is when your eligibility will be determined based on all of your paperwork, and a plan can be made for you within the program. Because Job Corps offers "career planning, on-the-job training, job placement, residential housing, food service, driver's education, health and dental care, a bi-weekly basic living allowance and clothing allowance," there is a lot to discuss.
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Tips & Warnings
For more information for yourself, or if you are a parent who wants more information, you can request a packet and/or download one at Recruiting.jobcorps.gov (see Resources). These information packets are available in English and in Spanish.
If you have children, some centers offer child assistance. Your admissions counselor will give you the details you need for your personal situation.
Job Corps is a program that takes commitment, so the more you put into it, the more you get out of it.
