Job Corps is a free program in which students, also referred to as “student employees,” are given food, housing, uniforms, formal education and skills in one or more trades, then sent out into the workforce to succeed. There are currently about 135 students who are learning trades and making monthly stipends to do so.

Upon graduation students are prepared to start at an internship or entry level job in a variety of trades. During the open house, students had the opportunity to show off their skills with food they prepared and lab demonstrations in Microsoft Excel.

When students arrive at the facility, they are given a “TABE” test, or “test of adult basic education,” which acts as a placement test to ensure students are set up for success. During their first five weeks students have the opportunity to do “trade shadowing” and get accustomed to life at the center before they choose their trade, according to Ashley Nilson, a career transition specialist.

Career counselors are available to students throughout their time at the center and former students have counseling resources available for up to a year after their departure.

Ben Pifher/MDN Colin Tofteland, instructor in the welding department, prepares test plates for Quentin N. Burdick Job Corps Center students to practice on.

Tristan Morin, a student who has been at the center for seven months, was handing out butterscotch cookie bars made by students, and explaining some of his experience at Job Corps.

He said when he arrived, he was confused about what he wanted to do for a trade but he went through the shadowing process and chose culinary arts. He had high hopes for future achievements and said he would like to become a pastry chef after completion of the program and follow-on advanced training. Morin expects to graduate in October.

Airin Lane is another member of the culinary department who gave a tour while explaining some aspects of day-to-day life in the program.

There are two kitchens at the center, she explained, one is a large kitchen one might expect to find in a restaurant and another smaller one that acts as a skills lab. Culinary students learn basic skills such as knife skills and classroom academics that build a foundation of what is needed in a restaurant and one way that they practice is to make dinners for guests and new students.

The students are also given the opportunity to lead tasks through the week to learn leadership skills and build confidence.

Ben Pifher/MDN Tristan Morin, right, and Airin Lane, left, hand out baked goods to guests at the Quentin N. Burdick Job Corps Center open house on Tuesday.

When speaking about the program Lane said, “It’s worth it, you just have to really focus and work on yourself.”

There are other programs available in which students can learn automotive skills, become certified welders, gain construction, carpentry or electrician certificates, or even become certified nursing assistants or CNAs.

Job Corps will have a booth at the State Fair this year, where they will offer information about programs available and answer questions.