Questions
Frequently asked questions
You've Got Questions.
We've Got Answers.
How it Works
You can begin by filling out the Enrollment Interest Form or by calling us at 1-800-733-JOBS today! We'll walk you through the next steps.
Job Corps is fully funded by the federal government and is FREE to students and their families.
Job Corps offers hands-on career technical training in high-growth industries and can also help you get a GED or high school diploma if you don't already have one.
San Jose Job Corps Center also offers career planning, on-the-job training, and job placement, driver's education and English language learning, along with benefits including residential housing, food service, health and dental care, a bi-weekly basic living allowance, and a clothing allowance.
Yes. We have academic tutors prepared to provide you with the extra help you need in reading or math. Just ask!
Yes. Your instructors will assign independent study assignments as necessary to enhance your learning.
No. Job Corps does not assign grades. Instead, it allows students to demonstrate their skill (competency) in a given subject area or training area. Instructors will mark the completion of training on your Training and Achievement Record (TAR).
Yes. We require that someone (preferably a parent, guardian, foster parent, mentor, or associate who is interested in your success) come to the Information Session with you prior to enrollment. This same person must visit and meet with your career counselors monthly for the first four months of your enrollment. We strongly believe that when each student has someone interested in his or her success, achievement will follow!
Rules at the Center
Like any place, San Jose Job Corps Center has rules and regulations to follow. These rules are in place to help keep you safe, to help simulate the workforce environment, and to help eliminate distractions so you can succeed in academics and training. To provide the safest possible learning environment, San Jose Job Corps Center has a Zero Tolerance Policy for violence and drugs. Any student who violates this policy will be removed from the Job Corps program.
Students are expected to bring personal care and grooming items. Students should not bring expensive video and audio equipment, computers, and similar items. But, if you received a Job Corps computer and other tech gear to participate in online learning, you must bring that gear with you to your center. You’ll use this equipment in some of your classes and outside of the classroom to help you study. Your admissions counselor can help you determine what items are appropriate to bring on center.
You are responsible for providing your own everyday clothes, but we have a clear set of expectations for student dress and personal appearance. Generally, articles of clothing with offensive wording, large amounts of jewelry, or any items that promote drugs, alcohol, tobacco, or violence are not allowed. Students are required to wear uniforms during the training day. Uniforms are provided by the center at no cost to you or your family.
We are discouraging and limiting all visitors to our centers to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Parents and guardians are asked to keep in touch with their students digitally to “Stop the Spread” of COVID-19.
Please check with our admissions counselor for details on our Child Development Center.
At this time, students are permitted to leave their Job Corps centers for limited reasons due to COVID-19. The health and safety precautions in place at all centers help keep everyone as safe as possible. Once these COVID-19 restrictions are lifted, Job Corps will provide you transportation to and from home for your initial trip to the center, during the winter and summer breaks, and for your return trip home when you leave the program. Any other trips home must be arranged and paid for by the student. Travel costs for winter and summer breaks are considered taxable by the federal government. Taxes will be taken out of your living allowance.
Every center has their own rules about what devices are and are not allowed, and most centers that allow cell phones restrict their use to designated areas. Check with your admissions counselor to learn the cell phone policy at your center.
Life at the Center
Yes, there is 24/7 security available at all Job Corps centers.
No. San Jose Job Corps Center serves both residential and nonresidential students, but most of our student population lives on campus. Please check with your admissions counselor for details.
Throughout your training, you will receive a bi-weekly basic living allowance. As your training progresses, your living allowance will increase. After you graduate, Job Corps can help you get started on your journey with a transition allowance. This allowance is based on your academic and career technical training achievement while in Job Corps.
At Job Corps, you learn at your own pace. Depending on the career area you choose and the learning pace you set for yourself. Our most successful Job Corps students remain in the program for at least 18 months to gain the knowledge and social skills needed for a new career.
Yes. No one will force you to stay if you're not happy at the center. All we ask is that you try your best to succeed. We promise you this: It will be difficult sometimes, and we will challenge you. But if you don't quit on us, we won't quit on you.
Students stay in separate male and female dormitories. There are four students in each dorm room. Your room will be assigned to you upon arrival at the center. Job Corps values diversity and will provide you with opportunities to live and interact with people of many different backgrounds.
Graduation and Beyond
Even before graduation, our staff will assist you in conducting a job search. They can also help direct you to the health care, housing, legal assistance, and child care you'll need after you graduate. For six months after graduation, a Job Corps Career Transition Specialist will keep in touch with you to make sure things are going well in your new career.
We have agreements with community colleges or related institutions to teach career area courses or to have individual students take courses to gain college credit. We can work with students to help them transfer into college programs when appropriate.