[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 74 (Monday, April 19, 1999)] [Notices] [Pages 19201-19202] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 99-9685] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Employment and Training Administration Workforce Investment Act: Job Corps Program; Notice to Employers AGENCY: Employment and Training Administration, Labor. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This Notice describes the Job Corps Program and encourages employers to become involved with the Program. ADDRESSES: Employers (both public and private) who are interested in learning more about the Job Corps Program as a meaningful source for skilled, entry-level workers are invited to request information. Please send requests to the Director, Division of Program Planning and Development, Office of Job Corps, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N4507, Washington, DC 20210. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alan I. Lafferman, Office of Job Corps. Telephone: (202) 219-5556, ext. 140 (this is not a toll-free number). SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Job Corps Program offers qualified youth ages 16-24 the opportunity to become capable and reliable young adults with skills to succeed in business and at life. Students receive vocational training, social and employability skills development and academic education leading to a GED. At the core of the curriculum is a trade that each student selects from approximately 100 vocational offerings (e.g., construction, health services, business and administrative, computer services, culinary arts, automotive and truck repair, retail sales, welding, security, machinist, electronic assembler, lithographic printer and heavy equipment operator). Students receive competency-based, individualized instruction from instructors who have many years of experience in their trade. In addition to academic and vocational development, Job Corps focuses on social and employability skills that help students adapt to different working and living environ-ments. Each student goes through an extensive curriculum that stresses dependability in attendance, adaptability in tasks, working in a team environment, and interpersonal skills including conflict resolution. Job Corps also demands discipline and instills a strong work ethic, responsibility and good behavior. As part of their comprehensive program, students also volunteer to participate in Community Service Projects. Under Job Corp's strict Zero Tolerance Program, a formal commitment is required from all students that they will be free of drugs and avoid any violence. Failure to meet this commitment results in dismissal from the program. Students are tested for drugs upon entry to the Program and upon suspicion during their enrollment. Currently, there are 118 Job Corps centers located throughout the United States. Job Corps students are economically disadvantaged, unemployed youth, male and female, who have volunteered for the program. The average stay for a student is 7 months, and approximately 68,000 students participate in the program each year. The primary purpose of this Notice is to inform employers that the Job Corps Program has great interest in developing meaningful partnerships with a wide variety of businesses that seek qualified, entry-level workers. Job Corps endeavors to make all of its program components (academic, social and employability skills, and vocational) responsive to the needs of the business community, and employer involvement can contribute significantly to this objective. Involvement activities can include a full range of tasks including, but not limited to: Updating curricula; mentoring students and staff; providing equipment, supplies and services; offering workplace tours; internships and work-based learning opportunities; recruiting other business participants; co-hosting Job Fairs at a Job Corps center and serving on a center's Industry Council. Job Corps fully supports the economic goals of America's businesses--to expand market share and increase profits. A trained workforce is, perhaps, the most critical resource in achieving these goals and Job Corps is in the business of developing a trained workforce. You are encouraged to partner with the Job Corps Program in meeting this mutual objective. [[Page 19202]] Dated: April 13, 1999. Raymond L. Bramucci, Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training. [FR Doc. 99-9685 Filed 4-16-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4510-30-P