Students learn workforce skills in programs at Job Corps

Ben Pifher/MDN
Tom Ross, workforce specialist at Quentin N. Burdick Job Corps Center, addresses the Community Relations Council, members of the community and Job Corps students at the council’s quarterly meeting on Wednesday.

Flint Burkhard said he came to the Quentin N. Burdick Job Corps Center’s automotive program because he wanted to stop delivering pizza and enjoyed working on cars. He said the program “takes people who have never turned a wrench and gives them the skills to work on automobiles.”

Tom Ross, Job Corps workforce specialist, and some of the students spoke Wednesday at the Quentin N. Burdick Job Corps Center’s quarterly Community Relations Council meeting.

Ross introduced the students, explaining some of the things they have accomplished in their time at Job Corps,and what the center gives students who complete the curriculum.

Job Corps is a program for people ages 16-24, offering them opportunities to show up, select one of several trades offered, develop their skills and decide if they would like to pursue advanced training or join the workforce directly. There are both in-residence and day classes offered, and this is a paid education experience.

“It’s a cool place to be if you have the right mindset,” said Kaille Dunn, a construction technology student. She hopes to be selected for advanced training in Florida in three weeks and has applied to join a union.

Gabrielle Gallagher, a student, spoke about the work-based learning program as well, saying the program builds a collaboration with local businesses and having a record of successfully moving students from entry-level positions to leadership roles in their desired fields. She explained the program gives the students access to a variety of trades to integrate them into the workforce.

Community members were also given an opportunity to speak and offer opportunities to the students to volunteer at various events in Minot, such as Norsk Hostfest happening in September.

Events coming up include a first responders appreciation event on Thursday, June 20, and open house on Tuesday, June 25, and a career fair on Thursday, June 27.

The Minot branch of Job Corps is reaching its 30th birthday and

an event is being planned to celebrate it in August.