What is Job Corps and how do their trade schools work?

I've heard about Job Corps as an option after high school and I'm curious about how their trade schools function. What do students typically experience and what kinds of trades can you learn there?

Job Corps is a no-cost education and vocational training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor aimed at helping young people aged 16-24 improve the quality of their lives through vocational and academic training.

As you go through a program at Job Corps, the first step will typically be to work on your basic academic skills. Even if your main intention is to learn a trade, they want to ensure that you have a solid educational foundation. As part of this, they offer High School Diploma and High School equivalency programs to those who need it.

Once you've reached an adequate academic level, you can focus on vocational training. Job Corps offers training in more than 100 career areas, including healthcare, hospitality, construction, renewable resources and energy, and automotive and machine repair, among others, which means you have a wide range of choices depending on your interests.

The length of these programs varies but can last anywhere from eight months to two years. During this period, students are typically housed on campus and provided with meals and basic medical care. They engage in a combination of classroom-based learning and hands-on training within their chosen field under the supervision of professional instructors. Some programs also offer internships or cooperative learning experiences to give students real-world experience.

Another key part of Job Corps is their holistic approach to career planning. They take the time to look at every student's individual skills and interests, and then help each one develop their unique career path. Plus, they support their students after graduation, providing them with services like job placement and continuing career counseling.

In summary, Job Corps is a comprehensive program that provides not only vocational training but also career planning and other life skills necessary for achieving long-term career success. It's definitely worth considering if you're interested in learning a trade and need somewhere to start.