On May 29, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced plans to begin a phased pause of contractor-operated Job Corps centers nationwide, with the intention of closing all such centers by June 30, 2026. This sweeping move has placed the Charleston Job Corps Center—a vital training ground for West Virginia’s skilled workforce—at serious risk.
What Is Job Corps?
The Job Corps is the nation’s largest residential job training program for young adults ages 16–24. It provides not only job-specific training but also housing and support services to help students build a pathway to long-term employment.
Research has shown that Job Corps participation boosts lifetime earnings and employment rates for graduates, making it a critical tool in lifting vulnerable youth into stable, well-paying careers.
Charleston’s Program: Building the Skilled Trades Pipeline
The Charleston Job Corps Center offers Pre-Apprenticeship training programs in Carpentry and Industrial Painting, both of which are recognized by major trade unions:
- The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America
- The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
Students in these programs can earn industry-recognized credentials and a pre-apprentice certificate of completion, opening the door to registered apprenticeship opportunities with paid, on-the-job experience.
Training includes:
- UBC Scaffold Training
- OSHA Construction Safety Certification
These credentials are essential for entry into union apprenticeship programs that lead to lifelong careers in construction.
Closure Impact and Federal Pushback
A federal judge in Manhattan temporarily blocked the closure order on June 20, granting a short-term reprieve. However, the future remains uncertain. If allowed to proceed, the Charleston Job Corps Closure would leave thousands of young adults across the country—and dozens in West Virginia—without access to life-changing opportunities.
Adding to the pressure, President Donald Trump’s FY2026 budget proposal calls for the elimination of the program altogether. Budget-related staffing cuts are already disrupting student onboarding and overall program effectiveness.
Union Leaders Speak Out
“It is a shame that the federal government does not see the benefit of these programs, which help strengthen the pipeline of skilled labor to the construction industry…We intend to advocate for the preservation of the Job Corps Program with our friends in leadership in Washington in hopes that these programs can continue to exist,”
George Capel, Government Relations Director for the West Virginia Building and Construction Trades
The West Virginia Building Trades is committed to preserving this vital program. Visit Charleston WV Job Corps to learn how you can support efforts to keep the Charleston Job Corps Center open and accessible.
