VETS and Job Corps team in a meeting.

Transitioning from the military and starting a new career can be challenging.  Job Corps help Veterans providing priority enrollment at all the Job Corps centers in Puerto Rico and United States. In Job Corps, Veterans can train for a new and rewarding career alongside other Veterans and youth.

The program offers hands on training to eligible 16 to 24 year olds and support services within their 124 centers.

Currently, there is a pilot project running in three Job Corps Centers located in: (1) Edinburgh, Indiana, (2) Morganfield, Kentucky, (3) Excelsior Springs, Missouri; where Veterans can enjoy dorm areas exclusively for Veterans. However, those Veterans interested to join the program who are not between the admission’s required ages, nor comply with the required income wage, might be protected, and be granted participation, by the American Disability Act, if proper documentation certifies an impairment.

Job Corps is a self-paced program. That means students who specifically become “employees in training” learn at their own pace. Depending on the career area chosen, and the learning pace set; training can take from eight months to two years to complete. The program recommends staying at least for a year to gain the knowledge and social skills needed for the new career.

Some candidates wonder if becoming an employee in training  (EIT) affects the unemployment insurance. Policies for the unemployment insurance vary by state. Therefore, prospects must consult their unemployment insurance representative. Usually, some states allow Job Corps participants to collect benefits while enrolled. However, throughout the training, EITs receive basic living allowance which increases with time. Also, upon graduation an stipend is provided in support of transitional expenses. The amount is derived from the academic and career skills achievements.

Job Corps Puerto Rico provides a great variety of free career training for prospects, these are:

Construction: carpentry, cement masonry, plumbing, electrician (assistant and qualified), Automotive Technician

Business & Security: Facilities Maintenance, Retail Sales, Office Administration, Medical Office Support, Security Guard.

Health & Nutrition: Licensed Practical Nurse (English/Spanish), Culinary Arts, Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic (English).

Advanced Career Training Program: opportunity to outstanding students to enroll in a local college for advanced career education in associate or bachelor’s programs. The program covers necessary expenses that the scholarship does not afford.

Eligible Veterans should address their concerns and/or aspiration to apply to any of the three Puerto Rico Job Corps Centers’ Outreach & Admissions Offices

Arecibo:  (787) 816-5559  – Lydia Arrocho

Barranquitas: (787) 857-6530 – Rosa Cintrón

Ramey (Aguadilla): (787) 890-6516 – Virginia Avilés