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Oneonta Job Corps Academy Job Corps is a voluntary program administered by the United States Department of Labor that offers free-of-charge vocational training to young men and women ages 16 to 24. In addition, it provides academic instruction and supportive services, through the 131 residential centers operated nationwide. The program’s ultimate objective is to help disconnected youth become more responsible, employable and productive citizens. Successful Job Corps students will enter the workforce, join the military or attend college. Since 1964, the program has served more than 2.5 million youths. Job Corps doesn’t just prepare young adults for the future — Job Corps changes lives. Oneonta Job Corps Academy has been training students for successful careers for more than 30 years. Opening in 1980, OJCA has trained thousands of young adults from New York, New Jersey and the Virgin Islands in one of eight basic careers: certified nursing assistant, certified medical assistant, medical administrative assistant, collision repair, automotive tech, cement mason (OPCMIA), tile setter and electrical helper. Additionally, our four advanced training programs serve youth from across the United States who have completed a basic training in their home area: overhead line construction, underground residential distribution, smart meter instrumentation technology and drone pilot. The following are just a few of their stories.
AUG. 19, 20 AND 21, 2020
Lester Crandon Lester Crandon enrolled in Oneonta Job Corps in May 2016. Over the next year, Lester remained focused and dedicated to his goals. He graduated from OJCA in 2017 as an apprentice cement mason. He was offered a position with Pinnacle Industries, in Harrison, New York, making $18 an hour. Today he is in his third year of apprenticeship, making $40 an hour. His hard work and ability to stay on track has paid off!
Shaquille Sealey Shaquille Sealey emigrated from the West Coast of Berbice, Guyana, at 4 to the United States. He entered OJCA in 2017. Shaquille could be described as dedicated and driven when others reflected on his time in the program. Just five days after his graduation from Oneonta Job Corps in 2018 Shaquille began working for Regal Construction Group in New York. He belongs to OPCMIA Local 780 based out of Whitestone, New York. However Shaquille is living above the wage average in New York making roughly 2.5 times more than someone of similar age/skill.
A Head for Business - THE DAILY STAR
