For our inaugural partner spotlight we spoke with April Robinson, Outreach & Admissions Specialist from Philadelphia Job Corps. Job Corps is a no-cost education and career technical training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor that helps young people ages 16 to 24 improve the quality of their lives through technical and academic career training. Philadelphia Job Corps Life Science Institute supports the Job Corps program mission by teaching eligible young people the skills they need to become employable, independent, and place them in meaningful jobs or further education.

Bragging rights: Tell us a little about Job Corps.
Job Corps is a FREE job training program with the option of receiving your high school diploma/GED. We offer 6 different trades: medical assistant, EMT, pharmacy technician, nurse aide, facilities maintenance, and culinary arts.

What makes Job Corps unique in Philadelphia’s job seeking community?
Job Corps is an ultimately FREE resource. We provide our community with the skills they need in order to be successful in the workforce.

Who should be utilizing your services?
If you are between the ages 17-24 and actively seeking a job but don’t have the skills/training for the profession you desire, Job Corps is for you!

What is your favorite resource or event?
My favorite resource is our Career Transition Specialists; they help students with job placement, advanced career training, college scholarship options, apprenticeships, and military options.

What is something awesome that people may not know about your organization?
We provide all of our students with free transportation, breakfast and lunch, a bi-weekly stipend, and so much more!

Any fond library memories?
The library was a safe space for me in elementary school. At that time, I lived far from the school I attended so I would walk to the neighborhood library and wait for my sisters to pick me up. I spent hours in there just reading books and surfing the web. Forever grateful for having so many free books and resources available to me. I honestly don’t believe I would love reading so much if it wasn’t for the library.

... and finally, what are you currently reading?
I am currently reading The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl by Issa Rae. So far, so good, and so funny!

To learn more about Philadelphia Job Corps visit their website or call 267-386-2888.