Job Corps is a voluntary program administered by the United States Department of Labor that offers free-of-charge vocational training to young men and women ages 16 to 24. In addition, it provides academic instruction and supportive services, through the 131 residential centers operated nationwide. The program’s ultimate objective is to help disconnected youth become more responsible, employable, and productive citizens.

Successful Job Corps students will enter the workforce, join the military, or attend college. Since 1964, the program has served more than 2.5 million youth. Job Corps doesn’t just prepare young adults for the future – Job Corps changes lives.

Oneonta Job Corps Academy (OJCA) has been training students for successful careers for over thirty years. Opening in 1980, OJCA has trained thousands of young adults from New York, New Jersey and the Virgin Islands, in one of 8 basic careers: Certified Nursing Assistant, Certified Medical Assistant, Medical Administrative Assistant, Collision Repair, Automotive Tech, Cement Mason (OPCMIA), Tile Setter and Electrical Helper. Additionally, our 4 Advanced Training programs serve youth from across the United States who have completed a basic training in their home area: Overhead Line Construction, Underground Residential Distribution, Smart Meter Instrumentation Technology and Drone Pilot.

Lester Crandon enrolled in Oneonta Job Corps in May, 2016. Over the next year, Lester remained focused and dedicated to his goals. He graduated from OJCA in 2017, as an Apprentice Cement Mason. He was offered a position with Pinnacle Industries, in Harrison, NY, making $18 an hour. Today he is in his third year of apprenticeship, making $40 an hour. His hard work and ability to stay on track has paid off!

Shaquille Sealey immigrated from the West Coast of Berbice, Guyana at age 14 to the United States. He entered OJCA in 2017. Shaquille could be described as dedicated and driven when others reflected on his time in the program. Just five days after his graduation from Oneonta Job Corps in 2018 Shaquille began working for Regal Construction Group in New York! He belongs to OPCMIA Local 780 based out of Whitestone, New York. however Shaquille is living above the wage average in New York making roughly 2.5 times more than someone of similar age/skill.

Jerry Sanchez attended the Overhead Line Advanced Trade Program at Oneonta Job Corps Academy. He is currently employed by Techsico Towers out of Oklahoma as a Tower Technician making $17 an hour with benefits. Jerry’s employer was very impressed with the skills he attained from Oneonta Job Corps.

Grace Shepherd, a young lady who is described as mature, kind, hard-working, polite and dedicated, with strong leadership skills. She graduated from Oneonta Job Corps Academy in March 2019. Grace started a full-time position in October, 2019 with Greater Brooklyn Gastroenterology Care/ MJC Medical as a Clinical Medical Assistant.