PROGRESS: Job Corps

The Palmer based Alaska Job Corps Center stands ready for training Alaska’s next batch of workers, according to Center Director, Malyn Smith. The national job training and education program is located singularly in Palmer, Alaska and attracts students from all over the state. At any given time over 220 students are studying and training for future employment at the center.

There are nine different career options and all of the trades are proven to be employable in Alaska’s economy. Following the national and state trends, health care is one of the primary growing services. Alaska Job Corps has responded to this statewide demand and has a robust CNA program which feeds well trained graduates out to most of the big health facilities in the state. This includes large employers like the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and the Yukon Kuskokwim Health council.

Other trade options are proven to be in demand within the state. They are: Water Waste Water Treatment, Electrical, Carpentry, Facility Maintenance, Culinary Arts, Protective Services, Accounting Services and Office Assistant.

Smith says that the robust and required “Work-base Learning Program” is part of the key to success. “They work in a real world environment,” she says. “Studying is great but on-the-job training is most important.” Community partners and businesses work with Job Corps to provide safe locations for student training.

Smith also notes that there is a national movement to acquire more apprenticeships. “These add value to the workforce.” She adds that the Job Corps program is designed to customize the individual needs of the both the student and the employer. “We track the economic trends to ensure that our trade offerings reflect the state’s need,” she says.

Smith explains that the fully funded federal Job Corps program offers a holistic approach for all the students. And since the program is 24/7, social development, hygiene, punctuality, nutrition, and recreation all have a part to play in students’ progress.

Demographics of the center indicate that approximately 50 percent of the student population are from rural Alaska. Thirty percent is from Anchorage. And the remainder is from the road system, including all of the various towns within the Matanuska Susitna Valley. The Director emphasizes, “About 20% of our students arrive without a high school diploma; however we ensure that 100% of our students leave with a high school diploma, in addition to other credentials.

Smith concludes, “Without the Job Corps program, hundreds of Alaskans would not be able to acquire free and valuable career training for secure employment.”