The U.S. Department of Labor’s Job Corps program has launched a recruitment drive in Rhode Island, offering immediate openings and free career training for low-income students ages 16–24 in the nation’s leading industries.

“This is a great opportunity for young adults in Rhode Island who are trying to leverage a strong job market,” said National Director of Job Corps Rachel Torres. “We are a gateway to skills, credentials and opportunity. Our students need Job Corps, and the workforce needs our students.”

There is one Job Corps campus in Rhode Island: Exeter Job Corps, located in Exeter. Exeter Job Corps offers career skills training in high-growth industry sectors, including Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Health Care and Hospitality.

Job Corps is free for ages 16–24 from low-income households who meet the eligibility requirements, and students can apply and enroll at any time. Job Corps provides hands-on career skills training, on-campus housing, meals, health care and job search assistance. Applicants may qualify if they receive SNAP, TANF, or free or reduced school lunch, or if they are experiencing homelessness or are a foster youth.

The recruitment drive in Rhode Island is part of a national effort to restore Job Corps campuses to full capacity after pandemic safety measures had restricted enrollments, due to the residential aspects of the program. Job Corps has restored pre-pandemic admission standards nationwide and has immediate openings at the Exeter campus.

For more information about Job Corps, or to begin the enrollment process, visit jobcorps.gov or call 800-733-JOBS (5627).