CHICOPEE-A virtual open house for young people interested in Westover Job Corps Center opportunities is slated for April 21.
“Our open house will be from 10 a.m. to noon,” said Yvonne Lomax, outreach and admissions manager.
The WebEx link to attend the open house is https://jobcorpsclassroom.webex.com/jobcorpsclassroom/j.php?MTID=m1a50639c84fa7c066770abce8782c4b1
The Westover Job Corps Center encompasses a 43-acre campus at 103 Johnson Road featuring three dormitories, a full-service cafeteria, computer labs, gymnasium, lounge with televisions, a store with snacks and other essentials, and health services for basic medical needs.
Job Corps, administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, is the nation’s largest federally funded residential, educational, and vocational training program, serving close to 65,000 young Americans every year.
For students ages 16-24, the Job Corps offers an alternative to college with graduates either entering the workforce or an apprenticeship, moving on to higher education, or joining the military.
While the tuition is free for students, applicants must demonstrate they are committed to their education, and abide by the program’s strict zero tolerance policy for drugs, alcohol, and violence.
As part of the open house, Job Corps representatives will discuss the various high growth career fields open to applicants – automotive and machine repair (maintenance – light repair), construction (bricklayer, carpenter, electrician, plumber), finance and business (office administration), health care (certified nurse assistant, medical administrative assistant, pharmacy technician), hospitality (culinary arts), manufacturing (welding), and advanced training options (advanced HVAC, preventive maintenance technician, pre-apprentice).
Pre-apprenticeship programs offer students the hands-on training and education needed to qualify for apprenticeships.
Although the length of time needed to complete a program varies according to the abilities of the student and the vocation chosen, the average length of time enrolled is between nine and 24 months. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. The TDD/TTY telephone number is (877) 889-5627.
For students accepted into the educational program, there are a variety of opportunities ranging from work-based learning and internships, free meals, residential living, career technical trainings, and career counseling, to basic medical and dental care, job placement assistance, and recreational activities. In addition, participants can receive advanced leadership training, advanced college/career training, driver’s education, mentoring and tutoring services, a clothing stipend, and a child care allowance.
A background check is conducted on all applicants to confirm the student is not on probation, parole, under a suspended sentence, under supervision of any agency as a result of court action, or institutionalization, unless the court or appropriate agency certifies in writing that it will approve of the applicant’s release from its face-to-face supervision and that the applicant’s release does not violate applicable laws and regulations.
For more information on Job Corps and the open house, as well as eligibility requirements, call (413) 593-4018.
