• Is your business looking for qualified entry-level applicants that are motivated to work?

• Are you challenged finding employment candidates with, “soft skills” including dependability, proper dress, and positive attitude?

• Would access to this pool of potential employees at no cost to you, be good for your business?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may not be aware of a highly effective job training program that produces approximately 500 career-ready alumni in the Portland/Vancouver area at any given time. These individuals have acquired basic skills in one of over 30 high demand industries like; health occupations, culinary arts, and construction crafts.

If you are seeking skilled young adults who can immediately apply their talent, then consider Job Corps as your workforce solution.

Job Corps has become a valuable workforce solution to hundreds of our chambers, associations and business members because it generates a steady stream of trained, motivated young workers who can advance with our business’s growth.”
- Jan Magill, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships, U.S. Chamber

WHAT IS JOB CORPS?
The Nation’s largest federally funded employment and training program for young men and women, ages 16-24. Job Corps recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, recognized for annually assisting nearly 70,000 students at 122 Centers nation-wide to get their high school diploma or GED, learn a trade, and gain the experience required to get a job.
*Income guidelines apply.

RESIDENTIAL AND HOLISTIC:
• FREE room and board
• Career Training in highly employable fields
• A commitment to helping young people prepare for their future
• Recreation opportunities
• New Friends, new adventures

A DAY IN THE LIFE
Many students live on campus while at Job Corps. The usual day begins at 6am. The program is structured to reflect a typical work day so that students begin to prepare for the working world. They attend education and employment classes, gaining not only basic training in vocational areas, but also the employability skills-punctuality, communication, problem-solving. Students are coached while at Job Corps to learn how to identify and access services that will allow them to live independently. They are also encouraged to participate in internships to further develop their skills and remain competitive in the workplace.

At Job Corps, competency-based programs are combined with work-based learning opportunities to equip graduates with foundational skills to launch their careers.

“Our job is to prepare youth to take control of their lives. With the help of our dedicated employer and community partners, students learn the skills they need to enter the workforce and become productive citizens. We know we’re doing our job when employers turn to us for their entry-level staffing needs.”
- Joann Espinoza, Center Director, Springdale and PIVOT Job Corps

WHERE IS JOB CORPS LOCATED?
From the coastal community of Astoria to the rugged mountains of the Mount Hood National Forest, students can choose from six campuses in Oregon. For Job Corps Campus locations throughout the West Coast, visit: http://sanfranciscoregion.jobcorps.gov.

ON A LOCAL LEVEL
Did you know that Job Corps has a highly specialized Business and Technology training program in Northwest Portland? The average enrollment for PIVOT Job Corps, a one of a kind all female program is approximately 60 students. These motivated young women come from the greater metropolitan Portland area to pursue professional development in Microsoft Office related training. Employers like OHSU, Kelly Services, and the American Red Cross have partnered with this Campus to recruit entry-level applicants into a variety of positions.

“Kelly Services is proud to partner with the PIVOT program to help develop people that want to help themselves.”
- Ian Burgess, Branch Manager, Kelly Services-Portland District

THE CHOICES YOU MAKE, MAKE YOU

“Then and Now,” A graduation Speech by Laura Dalton, - PIVOT Alumni.

“Before I came to PIVOT I was desperate for a change. I was struggling to pay my rent, keep up on the bills, and support my three children. During the course of my training at PIVOT, I had numerous high and low points. There were the days where I thought-”you have got to be kidding me-150 keystrokes per minute? That’s just not right!” There were also the days when I had so many other things going on at home, that it was hard to make my training a top priority like it needed to be.”

“One of the things I learned at PIVOT was how to set a goal, and then turn that goal into a reality. When I entered PIVOT’s Training Program, my goal was to work
for OHSU.”

“I am pleased to report that I now work for the Float Pool Department as a Health Unit Coordinator at OHSU. Every day at work, I use the skills that I learned at PIVOT. I type the patient’s chart orders into the computer system. I answer multi-line phones. I use lots of different software programs. “

PIVOT Job Corps:
Like many young women entering Job Corps, Laura Dalton needed a change of scenery to better her situation. As the only non-residential program in the Northwest, PIVOT Job Corps offers the unique approach to education and career training that gave Laura the confidence and skills she needed to jumpstart her career.

Since 1989, PIVOT (Partners in Vocational Opportunity) Job Corps has provided professional and personal growth opportunities to assist culturally diverse young women to enter the working world. Their exceptional style offers all-inclusive educational, business and computer technology training to ensure the successful transition of graduates to entry level positions.

PIVOT instruction encompasses various levels of training for participants. All trainees have the opportunity to work toward professional advancement by completing Microsoft Office training. Advanced students have demonstrated skill-sets; Microsoft Office Specialist Certification, keyboarding, and successful completion of 15 earned college credits via Portland Community College for coursework.

Like all Job Corps students, PIVOT graduates have access to Career Services that will provide transition support for up to one year after the student has begun their career. Specialists will assist alumni to make certain support services are in place throughout all phases of employment. PIVOT’s Student Government Association also offers a, “dress for success” program where students can find business attire for internships, interviews, and getting started as a professional.

“PIVOT is like my stairway to success. I have gained computer knowledge and office skills for the working world. I have no doubt the more I learn here, the closer I will be to having a successful career. This program is great for all young women who want to do something with their lives.”
- Natalia Flores, PIVOT Student

A Job Corps partnership will save your business time and money

Improve your Bottom Line

* Lower recruiting, training, and overhead costs: Access a pipeline of Job Corps applicants with basic training and employability skills. Graduates enter the workforce equipped with communication, problem-solving, and social skills.

* Customized training on campus: Talk with a local Representative about creating a tailored curriculum to fit your employment needs.

* Tax credits for hiring Job Corps alumni: The Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) encourages employers to hire targeted groups of job seekers by reducing employers’ Federal income tax by as much as $2,400 per qualified worker. To learn more about the program visit:
www.uses.doleta.gov/wotcdata.asp

* A year of transitional support for the Job Corps graduate you hire: Alumni exiting the program are assigned a Career Transition Specialist that will regularly check in with the employer and the graduate to ensure overall success.

Get Involved
* Hire a Job Corps graduate: Employ Job Corps candidates that satisfy your employment requirements.

* Offer work-based learning opportunities at your business: Develop an internship program with your local Job Corps center to offer on-site training for students currently enrolled in the program.

* Visit a Job Corps Center: The best way to understand Job Corps is to see the program in action. While you are there, schedule time to talk with students about opportunities in your industry, assist with mock interviews, or speak at a graduation ceremony.

* Join an Industry Advisory Council (IAC): Each Job Corps campus has an IAC comprised of employers and workforce representatives to assist the center with vocational assessment, updating curriculum, and general advising on labor trends and needs.

* Spread the word: Educate community and business leaders on the importance of supporting and utilizing Job Corps.

Careers for Young Adults. Workforce Solutions for Business. Haley Schwartz Regional Business & Community Liaison 1130 SW Morrison St., Suite 407 Portland, OR 97205 Ph: 503.326.6800 Fax: 503.546.7424 Schwartz.Haley@jobcorps.org http://sanfranciscoregion.jobcorps.gov