Job corps is an excellent opportunity, for those who need it. For people who are homeless, looking to no longer be in their gang, etc. then this is the place for you. However, many people go into job corps without fully understanding what to expect. It seems that the recruiters aren’t always truthful, or are perhaps misinformed. Let’s take a look at some of the issues that incoming students are confused on.
You might not go into your trade immediately.
Students generally aren’t told that they may end up on a waiting list for their trade. If you aren’t there to also complete a high school diploma or a GED then this could be a problem.
Job Corps isn’t meant for people who only want their GED.
Job Corps frowns on students entering their program only to get a GED. If you only complete your GED and then want to leave, they may not release you from the program. That means if you do leave, you’ll be going AWOL. And if you leave like that, then you’ll have to carry your stuff all the way to the security gate (which can be rather far depending on the Job Corps center) because visitors aren’t allowed past the security gate.
What you’re allowed to have in your possession.
Students aren’t allowed to have weapons. Even though scissors fall into this category, some staff will look the other way due to the necessity of scissors. But be sure you know the rules to avoid getting into trouble.
One of the students’ biggest complains is about the food at job corps. They serve anything from hamburger helper-like stuff to fish sticks. Most students buy food (especially snacks) when they go on trips to local stores.
Some centers have computers available for students use. And sometimes, there will be computers in the students’ rooms. But it may depend on who you ask as to if you can have your own personal computer. If you want to bring a laptop, be sure to talk to the center that you plan to go to. Just remember that Job Corps generally isn’t responsible for your lost, stolen, or damaged property. Also, everything you bring must go into your locker. If you leave anything out, you risk it being stolen.
No privacy and limited phone use
You’ll be sharing a room with anywhere from one to five other students (rooms generally have four to six beds). And most likely, the bathroom will be one large bathroom. This means that you’ll have limited privacy and no alone time.
There are time limits for the phones. Depending on the center that you go to, there could be sixty students on one dorm with only three payphones.
Chores and Curfew
Weekly, students are assigned chores on their dorm. This can be anything from mopping to cleaning the toilets. If you do not do your assigned duties then you will be written up. Once a week, a more thorough cleaning of the dorm is done by the students such as rinsing out trash cans and cleaning air vents.
Students are allowed to go off dorm, but they aren’t allowed on other dorms for security reasons. But students do have to be in their rooms at night and have the lights out by a certain time. When the lights go out, you must stop talking. And then the next day, you have to get up early and start the whole day over again.
Final Thoughts
If you’re not used to living by a lot of rules, this may be quite a transition. But if you need to be at job corps, don’t be discouraged. Just focus on how you’re trying to make your life better.
