Welcome Center Work of Job Corps Students

By The Republican

It represents not only a new entrance to the 50-acre center campus, 103 Johnson Road - but an inviting area for visitors and parents of students when they arrive, said John F. Arthur, business and community liaison.

The 2,100-square-foot center is being built entirely by students studying a variety of career trades. ...

Hard at work is student Kiana Hicks of Boston, who is learning masonry.

"I like it and I plan on going into contracting" after graduation, she said.

Hicks said she takes pride in her work and is enjoying getting on-the-job training for her future profession. ...

Founded in 1964, the Job Corps is the nation's largest residential employment and educational training program for economically disadvantaged youth ages 16-24. It is a federally funded public-private partnership administered by the Department of Labor, where students from a variety of backgrounds have up to two years to earn a GED and get vocational training in everything from sign-making to culinary arts. ...

"We probably have well over 100 students working on the project at different times and from different trades. They are able to touch it, feel it, and dress according to OSHA rules and wear hard hats. We are measured by the Department of Labor and we have 90% placement in jobs. But, I am not satisfied and am always working to improve it, " [Arthur] said. ...

About the Author

The Republican provides coverage of the Western Maryland town of Oakland, as well as of Garrett County. Read The Republican online at www.therepublicannews.com.