The Iroquois Job Corps Center in Medina is preparing students ages 16 through 24 for 21st century jobs. The center celebrated its 50th anniversary Monday with a visit from Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.
The pre-apprenticeship program is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor. It allows at-risk students to live on site and receive a no-cost education and technical training in various trades.
Carpenter Instructor Robert Trautwein says the program gives students an opportunity to test out trades such as Carpentry, Electrical, Paint, Certified Management in Accounting and Certified Nursing Assistant.
“Trades are big. The field is hurting for tradespeople. A lot of people think college is the way to go, but that’s not necessarily true there’s good money to be made out in the trades,” said Trautwein.
Devin Tucker, 23, is a Brick and Masonry student. He says he was trying to balance work and college when he decided the trade’s field was a better option.
“One of the things [that I liked] was that when you left here, you left with a job. And they make sure to stay on track with you when you leave Job Corps. Right now I want to go into a Union when I complete this program. Brick is something that is going to get me out in the work field and get my life started,” said Tucker.
Tucker says he has other career goals outside of the trades, but he believes the Job Corps program will jumpstart future success. Senator Gillibrand says she believes it’s crucial for the government to fund job training programs.
“You’ve got real commitment from these young adults to their careers and their futures. This facility gives them the guidance that they need and the support that they need to get from A to B,” said Gillibrand.
Job Corps students are able to try out a number of different trades while building their resume. Gillibrand says graduates typically move on to apprenticeship programs or careers.