What Job Corps does

Job Corps is a federally administered career training and education program operated by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration, established on August 20, 1964, as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's Economic Opportunity Act. It is the nation's largest free, residential career training program serving low-income young adults ages 16 through 24. The program operates 120+ campuses across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, including 24 Civilian Conservation Centers operated in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, serving more than 50,000 students annually and having trained over 3 million individuals since inception.

The program's core offering is hands-on vocational training across 100+ career areas spanning 10 in-demand industries, including advanced manufacturing, construction, healthcare, information technology, transportation, renewable resources and energy, and culinary arts. Students can earn industry-recognized credentials, complete their high school diploma or equivalent, and access over 400 pre-apprenticeship programs with unions including the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, IUPAT, and the Boilermakers Union. Supporting services include free housing, meals, basic medical care, and a biweekly living allowance, all provided at no cost. Specialized offerings include English Language Learning, Advanced Training programs (such as Advanced Aviation and Advanced Culinary Arts), and a Youth 2 Youth mental health initiative.

The business model is fully funded by federal congressional appropriations through the U.S. Department of Labor — there is no tuition, no private ownership, and no venture capital backing. The program monetizes exclusively through government funding and distributes services through a direct-to-consumer enrollment model via the MyJobCorps online portal, supplemented by an Admissions Representative network and partnerships with school systems, employers (Mercedes-Benz, Disney, HII, Johnson & Johnson, NAVSEA), and government agencies. Technology infrastructure consists of a web-based enrollment platform and content management system supporting the MyJobCorps portal and jobcorps.gov informational site with multilingual support. Career Transition Services provide job placement assistance for six months post-graduation, with reported graduate earnings ranging from approximately $30,480 to $91,020 annually depending on career path.

Name

Job Corps

Legal name

Office of Job Corps, U.S. Department of Labor

Website

https://jobcorps.gov

Company type

Private

Founded year

1964

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

Job Corps is the nation's largest free, residential career training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, serving 50,000+ low-income young adults ages 16-24 annually at 120+ campuses across all 50 states with hands-on vocational training and comprehensive wraparound services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development and Career Training Services

NAICS

Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Educational Services (61), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth & Young Adult Workforce Programs (Out-of-School Youth) (EDAAAOAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK), Work-Based Learning Programs (Internships, Apprenticeships, Community-Based Instruction) (EDAKANAF), Workforce & Career Transition Noncredit Programs (EDAAAEAC), Experiential Learning & Internships/Co-ops (EDALABAG)

Keywords

• Career training program
• Vocational education services
• Workforce development programs
• Residential training centers
• Youth employment services

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Federal Government Funding: Job Corps is fully funded by the federal government through the U.S. Department of Labor. All program services—training, housing, meals, basic medical care, and living allowances—are provided at no cost to students, funded entirely by federal appropriations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Job Corps is a free, residential career training and education program for low-income young adults ages 16-24, administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. It delivers hands-on vocational training across 100+ training areas and 10 industries at 120+ campuses nationwide, alongside wraparound services (housing, meals, basic medical care, and a living allowance) at no cost to eligible students. The program also provides high school diploma completion, career transition services, and connections to apprenticeships, employment, or higher education.

Product overview

Job Corps is the nation's largest free, residential career training and education program operated by the U.S. Department of Labor, offering a unified platform of services for low-income young adults ages 16-24. The core product is the Career Training Program, which provides hands-on vocational training across 10 industries including manufacturing, healthcare, technology, construction, and transportation at 120+ campuses nationwide. Supporting sub-products include the High School Diploma Program, English Language Learning (ELL) Program, Career Transition Services, and Advanced Training Programs for continuing education. Specialized offerings include Civilian Conservation Centers (CCC) in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service offering wildland firefighting and conservation training, and the Youth 2 Youth Initiative for student mental health support. Training programs span over 100 career areas including Office Administration, Healthcare (CNA, Medical Assistant, Pharmacy Technician), IT (Computer Technician, Network Cable Installation), Construction trades (Carpentry, Electrical, HVAC, Welding), Culinary Arts, and Transportation/Automotive. All services are provided at no cost to eligible students who also receive housing, meals, basic healthcare, and a living allowance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Job Corps Career Training Program Free, residential career training and education program providing hands-on training in fields including manufacturing, health care, technology, construction, and transportation for young adults ages 16-24. Includes wraparound services such as housing, meals, basic medical care, and a biweekly basic living allowance.
• High School Diploma Program Academic program enabling students to earn their high school diploma or equivalent at no cost, including materials, books, and testing.
• English Language Learning (ELL) Program
• Career Transition Services
• Advanced Training Programs
• Civilian Conservation Centers (CCC)
• Mercedes-Benz Drive (MB Drive JC) Technician Training Program Specialized 13-week Mercedes-Benz technician training program delivered in partnership with Mercedes-Benz USA, preparing students for careers as Qualified System Technicians at Mercedes-Benz franchised dealers. Offered at Clearfield Job Corps Center.
• Advanced Aviation (Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics) Training Program Advanced Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics training program delivered in partnership with US Aviation Academy at North Texas Job Corps Center, the only location in the country offering this program. Connects graduates to employers including AAR Inc., GE Aerospace, US Aviation Academy, and PSA Airlines.
• Glazing Pre-Apprentice Training Program Pre-Apprentice training program teaching students to cut, shape, and install glass on construction sites, offered in partnership with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT). Available at four Job Corps centers nationwide.
• Youth 2 Youth Initiative

Quantifiable outcome

• 3 million students trained since 1964
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers20 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Mercedes-Benz USAcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 16 December 2024Mercedes-Benz partnered with Clearfield Job Corps Center to deliver the MB Drive JC technician training program. Six students from the inaugural cohort graduated as Qualified System Technicians after completing 13 weeks of Mercedes-Benz specialized training. All graduates received job offers from Mercedes-Benz franchised dealers, with 100% placement rate.
• HII (Ingalls Shipbuilding)coreGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 December 2024HII, America's largest military shipbuilder, partnered with Job Corps to conduct recruiting events. Students from 20 campuses with training in welding, marine pipefitting, construction, and advanced manufacturing interviewed for roles with HII's Ingalls Shipbuilding division at Mississippi Job Corps Center. More than 68 students received job offers and participated in an onboarding event at the shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
• Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 May 2024NAVSEA partnered with Job Corps to expand the shipbuilding career fair initiative. The event at Exeter Job Corps Center drew 160 students from 22 campuses representing Construction and Advanced Manufacturing. This followed four prior NAVSEA-DOL Job Corps-partnered career fairs collectively drawing 400+ students from 40 campuses. Recruiters included General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Fincantieri Marinette Marine, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, and Amtrol.
• US Aviation AcademycoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 April 2024US Aviation Academy partnered with North Texas Job Corps to deliver the Advanced Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics training program — the only location in the country offering this program. The inaugural class of four students graduated and immediately connected to employers including AAR Inc., GE Aerospace, US Aviation Academy, and PSA Airlines.
• Disney Culinary ProgramcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 9 February 2024The Walt Disney World Culinary Program partnered with Job Corps to host culinary career fairs at New Orleans Job Corps (February 2024), New Orleans again (September 2024), and St. Louis Job Corps (October 2024). More than 25 students received job offers from the first event and 27 from the third event. Students gain access to Disney's resort culinary program and real-life work experience through internships.
• Johnson & JohnsoncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 September 2023Johnson & Johnson partnered with Jacksonville Job Corps Center for an Advanced Manufacturing program to manufacture contact lenses. Three graduates were inducted into the inaugural Jacksonville Job Corps Hall of Fame for completing this program.
• New York CitycoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 30 May 2023New York City became the first major city to enter a formal agreement (MOU) with Job Corps. The five-year partnership coordinates recruitment through NYC Public Schools, Administration for Children's Services, Department of Youth and Community Development, NYC Talent, NYC Human Resources Administration, and other partners. The Mayor's Office of Talent and Workforce Development will connect Job Corps graduates with NYC government job opportunities and higher education enrollment.
• Pittsburgh First Lady Michelle GaineyminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 10 March 2023Pittsburgh First Lady Michelle Gainey served as keynote speaker at the Pittsburgh Job Corps Women's at Work open house event, helping to expand workforce opportunities for economically disadvantaged young women.
• U.S. Forest ServicecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJob Corps operates 24 Civilian Conservation Centers in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. These centers offer conservation-based training including wildland firefighting, forestry conservation, and advanced emergency dispatch. Students can be temporarily hired and paid by the U.S. Forest Service to serve as wildland firefighters while completing their training. In 2022, students provided 204,633 total hours of support to federal firefighters.
• United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe United Brotherhood of Carpenters partners with Job Corps to offer pre-apprentice certificate programs. Students in Carpentry Pre-Apprentice training earn a pre-apprentice certificate of completion from UBC that offers registered apprenticeship opportunities with paid on-the-job experience.
• International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIUPAT played a pivotal role in bringing the Glazing, Pre-Apprentice training program to Miami Job Corps Center. This program teaches students to cut, shape, and install glass on construction sites and is offered at four Job Corps centers nationwide.
• Pittsburgh Professional WomenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPittsburgh Professional Women Executive Director Beth Caldwell moderated a panel discussion at the Pittsburgh Job Corps Women's at Work event focused on networking opportunities for young women.
• Boilermakers UnioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKiona, a Job Corps graduate, became an official journeyman boilermaker through the Boilermakers Union, traveling around the country to work on advanced welding projects.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Year Up: Year Up provides free workforce training and corporate internships for low-income young adults ages 18-24, directly mirroring Job Corps' target demographic and mission of bridging underserved youth to skilled careers. It is one of the closest direct analogs in scale and program design.
• Per Scholas: Per Scholas offers tuition-free technology workforce training for adults from low-income backgrounds, with employer-led curricula and direct placement pipelines. It overlaps with Job Corps' IT training pathway and shares the no-cost-to-student, employer-partnership-driven model.
• STRIVE: STRIVE is a workforce development nonprofit preparing individuals facing barriers to employment for skilled careers, with employer partnerships and sector-based training. It shares Job Corps' mission of using vocational training to move underserved populations into the labor market.
• Urban Alliance: Urban Alliance operates high-school internship and workforce development programs for youth from underserved communities, with a similar employer-driven placement model to Job Corps' pre-apprenticeship and career transition pathways.
• i.c.stars: i.c.stars operates an intensive technology workforce training program with stipend-supported full-time instruction for adults from underserved communities. It is comparable to Job Corps' residential, intensive IT training offerings and shares the no-cost, employer-partnership-driven model.
• Cristo Rey Network: Cristo Rey Network operates Catholic high schools serving low-income students with a corporate work-study model that combines education and paid work experience. It serves a similar low-income youth demographic and uses an employer-partnership-driven model comparable to Job Corps' career training approach.
• Genesys Works: Genesys Works provides career pathways and corporate internships for high school students from low-income backgrounds, focused on IT and business operations skills. It targets a similar demographic and uses a similar employer-partnership-driven model to Job Corps.
• NPower: NPower provides free IT and cybersecurity training for underserved young adults and military veterans, with employer partnerships driving placement. It is directly comparable to Job Corps' IT training programs and shares the mission of serving economically disadvantaged populations.

Others

• American Job Centers: American Job Centers, administered under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), are the federally funded network of local employment and training hubs that often refer candidates to Job Corps. They are adjacent ecosystem partners rather than direct competitors but operate within the same U.S. Department of Labor workforce development framework.

Broad incumbents

• Goodwill Industries International: Goodwill Industries operates one of the largest U.S. workforce development networks, including retail-funded job training programs for people with barriers to employment. While much broader than Job Corps (including retail operations, donations, and disability services), its mission-aligned workforce training programs overlap directly with Job Corps' core offering.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/thejobcorps
• YouTubeyoutube.com/doljobcorps
• Facebookfacebook.com/doljobcorps
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/showcase/doljobcorps
• Instagraminstagram.com/doljobcorps

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Job Corps