Job Corps trains Maine students for workforce

    LIMESTONE – The Loring Job Corps Center has launched its spring recruitment drive to fill class openings officials announced today. Young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 who meet specific income requirements can enroll in the program free of charge. Job Corps provides its students with academic and career technical training, room, board, and basic medical and dental services.     “Our program gives students the opportunity to train in the careers of their choice, while still completing their academic education  through self-paced classes that provide an opportunity to obtain a GED and/or a high school diploma,” stated LJC Center Director Jim Gagnon.
    “The Loring Job Corps offers students a variety of technical training in several career areas, including culinary arts, cabling and advance computer technology, medical training in the areas of record keeping, billing, receptionist, nursing assistant and a new clinical medical assistant program,” Gagnon continued.
    “Additionally, we offer training in the ‘hard trades’ including carpentry, painting, electrical and cement masonry. We have a very a comprehensive automotive technical training program that includes CDL. Loring is the only center in Maine that offers the opportunity for a student to gain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL – tractor trailer). Our career technical training programs provide third party certifications which are recognized as an industry standard by employers. Additionally, the center provides a number of opportunities for students to gain advanced training at  Northern Maine Community College as well as an opportunity to transfer to other centers that are providing additional training in a specialized career field.” said Gagnon.
    Career counselors, academic and technical training instructors and career transition specialist work closely with students to tailor their academic and career training to meet specific career goals. They facilitate classroom instruction, as well as help students find and maintain employment. Each student receives specialized attention, ensuring they gain the skill sets and academics that they will need to be successful in today’s competitive job market. For up to 18 months after graduation, a career transition counselor will help students transition from Jobs Corps to the real world of work according to Kristie Moir, Director of Career Advancement Services at the Loring center.
    The Loring Job Corps Center has two residence halls with a capacity for 380 students. The center also offers an opportunity for students who live in near by communities to have free transportation to the campus on a daily basis. Students also have an excellent opportunity to gain a drivers license, participate in an extensive recreational programs that include competitive athletics, arts and crafts, musical performances, community service, work-based learning opportunities, as well as assist with the governance of the center as a member of the Student Government Association.
    There are many opportunities to develop leadership skills as leadership classes are provided. Students who seek this opportunity are provided knowledge that helps them become more involved in leadership opportunities on the center. They learn how to practice good responsible citizenship as a community leader.
    Established in 1964, Job Corps has trained and educated more than 2 million young people, serving approximately 60,000 young adults each year at 122 centers across the country. Job Corps is the nation’s leading career technical training and education program for students ages 16 through 24. Job Corps is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor.
    Those who want to learn more about Job Corps and the Loring Center, located in the Northern part of our state, just six miles from Canada, can contact Tammy Foster, Loring’s admissions counselor, at 207-328-4212 Ext. 7121. Foster will answer admission questions, send informational literature, including a center specific video that can be shared with family and friends. In addition, Foster can arrange for an appointments for a tour of the campus allowing interested persons to visit with the students and staff.     Loring Job Corps Center provides an exceptional opportunity for a young person to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to give their lives a pathway for gaining success and a prosperous fulfilling future all at no cost to the students and their family.