
Job Corps
Job Corps is the nation’s largest tuition free, residential career training and education program for low-income young adults ages 16 through 24. Students get hands-on career training, workplace experience and wraparound services like on-campus housing, all without student debt.
Job Corps’ Heavy Construction Equipment Mechanic, Pre-Apprenticeship training program teaches students skills needed to work with large machines like inspecting, repairing and replacing defective or worn parts such as bearings, pistons and gears, performing scheduled maintenance to diagnose and identify malfunctions, using computerized tools and equipment to address issues, and testing major components such as engines, hydraulic systems and electrical systems. This program specifically prepares students for a Registered Apprenticeship after graduation. Students who complete an Automotive and Machine Repair training area can earn nationally recognized credentials from organizations like the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), the National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF), and the United Automobile Workers (UAW).
Job Corps’ OTP Advanced Manufacturing training program connects Job Corps students with other local training providers like technical or community colleges, trade schools or employers to provide specialized education and training services. Students learn skills like reading and understanding schematics and blueprints, positioning or aligning components and parts either manually or with hoists, using hand tools or machines to assemble parts, conducting quality control checks, and describing the commonalities and differences of the alternating current and direct current (AC/DC) systems (e.g., wire color codes in both). These skills prepare students for a career in manufacturing, production engineering and machine shops. Students who complete Advanced Manufacturing training at Job Corps can earn nationally recognized credentials from the American Welding Society (AWS) and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).
Job Corps’ Electrical, Pre-Apprentice training program teaches students the skills needed to work with electrical systems in homes, businesses and factories, including how to install, maintain and repair electrical power, communications, lighting and control systems in places of all sizes, read blueprints and diagrams and will need to follow state and local building regulations, and use various hand tools and power tools. This program specifically prepares students for a Registered Apprenticeship after graduation. Students who complete the Electrical, Pre-Apprentice training program can earn industry-recognized credentials from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and certifications in construction health and safety from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Job Corps’ Welding training program teaches students skills like joining metals using a variety of techniques and processes, understanding and following safety procedures including properly using safety equipment, and identifying and explaining the composition and classification of metals, and designing and building a fixture for assembling simple parts. These skills prepare students for a career working in a variety of jobs for manufacturing companies, construction companies, trade shops, shipbuilders or repair shops. Students should also consider pursuing Advanced Manufacturing Production Technician, Advanced Machinist and other Advanced Training programs at Job Corps as a part of their career pathway. Students who complete Welding training at Job Corps can earn nationally recognized credentials from the American Welding Society (AWS) and the National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS).



