Job Corps launches summer recruitment drive in Montana

Press release

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps program has launched a summer recruitment drive in Montana, offering immediate openings and free career training in the nation’s leading industries for 16- through 24-year-olds from low-income households. 

“Job Corps offers a path to apprenticeships and higher-paying careers in the nation’s fastest-growing industries,” said Rachel Torres, National Director of Job Corps. “Our graduates fill a critical need for employers and the economy.” 

Montana has two Job Corps campuses, Anaconda and Trapper Creek by Darby. They offer career skills training in high-growth industry sectors, including advanced manufacturing; automotive and machine repair; construction; hospitality; renewable resources and energy, and transportation. 

Anaconda and Trapper Creek also are special types of Job Corps campuses known as Civilian Conservation Centers, whose roots date back to the 1930s. The Department of Labor — in partnership with USDA Forest Service — operates 24 Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers to protect national forests or grasslands. The centers offer training programs in forestry conservation and wildland firefighting, advanced wildland fire management and advanced emergency dispatch. Civilian Conservation Centers combine Job Corps’ traditional program with the opportunity for students to gain the skills needed to conserve the nation’s natural resources. Students in Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers combined to provide 204,633 total hours of support to federal firefighters in 2022.

Job Corps is free for ages 16–24 from low-income households who meet the eligibility requirements, and students can apply and enroll at any time. Job Corps provides hands-on career skills training, on-campus housing, meals, health care and job search assistance. 

Applicants may qualify if they receive benefits such as SNAP, TANF, or free or reduced school lunch, or if they are experiencing homelessness or are a foster youth.  Job Corps offers expedited enrollment for age-eligible young adults experiencing homelessness.  

“For students, we are a path to careers, certifications and connections, all without student debt. For employers, we’re a possible solution to their workforce pipelines,” Torres said. “It’s a win-win for workers and businesses in Montana.” 

Job Corps recently launched a revamped national website, as well as new sites for every campus nationwide. Features include virtual tours, a 24/7 virtual assistant named Corey and an interactive map allowing users to find a Job Corps campus based on location, industry or a specific training area. 

For more information about Job Corps, or to begin the enrollment process, people can visit https://jobcorps.gov or call 800-733-JOBS (5627).