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Local students, young adults eligible for Job Corps training

Some 10,000 program positions are now open at Job Corps education and training centers throughout the U.S. and students from American Samoa are eligible to apply for and attend this federally funded program, says the U.S. Department of Labor. There are no centers located in the territory — but their are local representatives on island to help with the applications.

 

For eligible young people, ages 16 to 24, the USDOL says the Job Corps program provides a free education and training program that helps them learn a career, earn a high school diploma or equivalent credential and find and keep a good job.

 

Job Corps centers began a new program year on July 1 and are currently accepting applications; and, young adults from American Samoa and Guam are eligible for Job Corps positions through the Hawai’i centers on Oahu and Maui islands.

 

Wendy Sakata, a manager of the Hawai’i Job Corps program said students in American Samoa interested in applying, can contact the local representatives, Jeannette Tu’ufuli or Deanna Fuimaono at 633-2428 or email: jnette2fuli@yahoo.com or scheylo6@yahoo.com

 

She says the local representatives have the pertinent information to gather the required documents, start the application process, and schedule an interview.

 

All interested American Samoa applicants are asked to start the application process with our local representatives.

 

“We strongly encourage individuals to remain in Hawai'i — preferably Oahu or Maui centers — or relocate to the mainland for a minimum of one year after graduating Job Corps where employment opportunities are abundant in comparison to their original home of address,” Sakata said responding to Samoa News inquiries.

 

“Many have families that they may be able to live with in Hawai'i or on the Mainland after graduating,” she said yesterday via email from Honolulu.

 

Sakata said Job Corps serves the Nation’s at-promise youth as an integrated, agile, demand-driven workforce and education training system.

 

Additionally, Job Corps is an employment bridge to high-growth, high-demand industries that offers career paths and lifelong learning skills for its graduates responding to 21st Century workforce challenges.

 

“The primary mission and goal of Hawai'i Job Corps is to provide the highest quality academic, career technical, and life skills training resulting in long-term quality employment,” she explained.

 

In a national news release, Grace Kilbane, national director of the Job Corps Office said the program provides a unique opportunity for young people to launch their careers.

 

"Students attend academic and vocational classes, earn industry-recognized credentials, and learn critical life skills in preparation for a good job, continued education or military service,” she said. “In today's competitive employment environment, Job Corps is more important than ever, and we urge eligible youth to enroll.”

 

Over the years many students from American Samoa have enrolled and graduated from the Job Corps in Hawai’i and others from the centers on the mainland.

 

The program first surfaced in American Samoa around 1997 during the tenure of then House Speaker Nua Saoluaga, who designated Afimutasi Gus Hannemann to handle federal government affairs for the House leadership as well as the Job Corps program.

 

During the tenure of then Senate President Lolo Matalasi Moliga, the program was also pushed through to help local students,  and Afimutasi — who is now the director of the ASG office in Hawai’i — was still in charge with overseeing the program here.

 

There were efforts by Congressman Faleomavaega Eni and others to establish a Job Corps center in the territory, but without success due to our small population.