Mingo Job Corps is celebrating its 60 anniversary and part of that includes sharing what it does for students with the region.
The program is helping provide job training as prospective employers look for the next generation of workers. This is due to the fact that many people in a variety of vocations will soon be retiring, Liaison Specialist Daniel King explained.
The facility recently welcomed approximately 120 visitors with tours of the facility.
“All of the trades taught in site had an exhibit in place,” King explained. “The different trades were demonstrated as a way of providing more information to potential students who might have an interest in attending the job corps.”
The majority of the trades are evolving with time, as well, King noted.
“There are always new methods of doing things. It’s education across the board,” King said.
Mingo Job Corps offers a variety of career technical training in different fields, such as: Advanced manufacturing, construction, finance and business, renewable resources and energy; and transportation.
“Heavy equipment and wild-land firefighting are the most popular courses we have here,” King explained. “We are actually the only place in the region to offer the heavy equipment course. The nearest location to offer that is still pretty far away.”
Both King and Center Director Lawrence Ferrell explained there is a growing need for young adults with vocational skills because of new legislation.
“Because of Joe Biden’s infrastructure act, there are so many openings that can’t even be filled at this point,” Ferrell explained. “Between retirement and the new jobs, there is a lot of space in the workforce.”
Ferrell noted that students who graduate from the Mingo Job Center typically have a high success rate in their chosen career field.
“There’s a lot of opportunity out there,” Ferrell remarked. “Our students open the door. We’re just there to guide them along the way.”
Ferrell explained there is a considerable amount of flexibility with the facility’s ability to coordinate with multiple services for advanced training.
“We go into the jobs to see what’s available,” Ferrell explained. “We look to see where the demand is, and use that information to help our students.”
Clearing up misconceptions
Ferrell said there still seems to be some confusion regarding what the job corps does and who it is for.
“We still hear from people that think this is a place for troubled youth that are looking for a last chance,” Ferrell noted. “That’s not the case.”
Ferrell went on to explain that it is becoming more evident to the youth that numerous vocations pay well, and college isn’t always the best option.
“When we get students in here that find a career they love, they transition into the professional world and experience a lot of success,” he explained. “We have a lot of success stories that come from here. This isn’t a last chance — it’s a first chance. It’s a first chance at becoming successful.”
Ferrell was adamant that the program should be viewed as an opportunity for education and growth.
“One thing I like to point out — and I always will point out —is what makes this so valuable,” he stated. “This program, from start to completion, is a program worth $50,000. It’s a program where you have a place to live, three meals a day, and you receive vocational training that can carry you through the rest of your life.
“Our students who graduate from this program have more opportunities available to them than they can imagine. We have a lot of graduates who are living their dream life.”