It is not often that a state’s highest elected official takes time out of their busy schedule to learn about Job Corps; however that was the case on November 2, 2011, when Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett toured the Keystone Job Corps Center following an address to members of the Greater Hazleton Chamber of Commerce.

The tour began in the early afternoon.  Governor Corbett first met with administrative staff who shared general information about Job Corps along with center highlights.  The governor then visited several training areas, including culinary arts, nursing and the site of Keystone’s new welcome center being built by students in the construction trades.   He had the opportunity to talk with many students, hearing their stories and finding out how the program has affected their lives.  With the governor’s agenda of “educating the workforce”, he stated Job Corps was a good example of training the right way referring to the program’s emphasis on hands-on-training.

The governor concluded his visit with a news conference at 3:00 p.m. where he told reporters he supported the program and would reach out to federal legislators to seek their continued support.