ETA News Release: [October 07, 2004]
Contact Name: Lorette Post or Chad Aleshire
Phone Number: 202-693-3984 or 202-693-2703
Top National Employment and Training Official Visits Jacksonville To Dedicate New Job Corps Center
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco joined Jacksonville Job Corps students, staff and about 100 local community and business leaders and educators today to dedicate the city's new Job Corps Center.
"This new, state-of-the-art facility will ensure that the Job Corps program meets the demands of thriving industries in the local economy," said DeRocco. "Even more vital for the success of the 300 students here today is the community support exhibited by this city and the state of Florida. As you continue to mentor and motivate and provide employment opportunities for graduates, local business needs are met and bright futures secured."
Job Corps has been in Jacksonville's Springfield area since 1979. The new facility just north of downtown features larger academic classrooms and enhanced vocational workshops to train students in their selected trade. Additional highlights include updated, spacious living accommodations and an improved technology center.
The Jacksonville center will train more than 300 students annually in business office technology, carpentry, computer service, electrical, facilities maintenance, health occupations, heating and air conditioning, material handling, medical assistant and pharmacy technician careers. Tours of the new eight-building facility were conducted throughout the day by Job Corps students.
In addition to remarks from DeRocco, the audience heard from Don Scott, regional director for Job Corps. Rick Uhrie, vice president of operations for Job Corps partner, Allied Plastics, carried a message of business support for the program and a former student, Jay Wilson, shared his personal success story. Wilson received electrical training with Job Corps and completed the industrial electronics program at Jacksonville's Florida Community College. Today he runs his own business, specializing in real estate transactions and telecommunications.
This year is the 40th anniversary of Job Corps' mission to provide American youth, families, communities and employers with quality job training and educational services. From its 1964 groundbreaking legislation to the first center opening in 1965, Job Corps has grown to 122 campuses, employing 15,000 staff, and serving 70,000 students each year.
###
U.S. Labor Department releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format upon request (large print, Braille, audio tape or disc) from the COAST office. Please specify which news release when placing your request. Call (202) 693-7773 or TTY (202) 693-7755.
