New Facilities and Major Renovations
Job Corps increased its total number of centers from 124 to 125 with the completion of the Ottumwa Job Corps Center in Ottumwa, Iowa, in 2011. The new campus is a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-based (LEED) project and boasts eight buildings, including student dormitories, an academic building, an administration building, a student recreation center/gymnasium, and additional facilities to support students and training.
Energy-efficient aspects of the buildings include geothermal heating, energy-efficient lighting, roof and wall insulation systems, and low-flow plumbing fixtures that are expected to reduce the center's energy consumption by 47 percent and its water usage by 28 percent compared to a building not using these energy-efficient elements. In addition, construction staff recycled materials on-site and tracked the progression of the project through a paperless system.
The construction of the new center brought $24 million to the Ottumwa economy with more than 135 workers involved daily in the project. More than 100 permanent employees are expected to be hired to operate the center, generating an annual impact of $8 million in staff salaries, supplies, and equipment to the local area.
At full capacity, the new center will house approximately 300 students and offer career technical training in programs including Advanced Manufacturing, Heavy Equipment Operations, and Health Occupations.
Students may also take advantage of a partnership with nearby Indian Hills Community College to continue their education. The partnership will initially provide training slots for 117 students, and the community college hopes to increase that number in the future.
Another center that was able to invest in its infrastructure is the Gerald R. Ford Job Corps Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Awarded $13 million in Recovery Act funds, the former high school campus, built in 1915, received upgrades to its main building, auditorium, and gymnasium.
"The improvements to the Gerald R. Ford center stimulated economic and training growth in western Michigan, as well as created a greener and more up-to-date learning environment for almost 300 young people," said Job Corps National Director Edna Primrose. "This project will continue to benefit our students and the local community for many years to come."
Using LEED-based designs as a guide, the center incorporated sustainable and renewable energy features such as green roofing technology, lighting efficiencies, water conservation devices, and high-efficiency Energy Star equipment.
At the Potomac Job Corps Center, located in Washington, D.C., contractors began construction on a new vocational training complex in the fall of 2010. This is the final piece of a $42 million renovation project that began in 2001. With the addition of three vocational buildings, the center will be a state-of-the-art facility that will provide education and training for students and will serve as a model Job Corps center for employer partners and local community leaders.
The vocational buildings will house career technical training classrooms, including Facilities Maintenance, Electrical, Brick Masonry, Carpentry, Plumbing, and Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
The new buildings will utilize several energy-efficient and sustainable components such as ground-source heating and cooling, low-energy LED lighting, and high-R-value masonry block construction. The architectural features will maximize day lighting and minimize the need for electricity-dependent interior lighting.
Ground was also broken in 2010 at the Los Angeles Job Corps Center. $82 million in ARRA funds were allocated to secure a 20-year lease on the facility.
The 154,000-square-foot facility features a state-of-the-art library, computer lab, modern medical and dental clinic and infirmary, classrooms, and new dormitories for 400 students.
The center is located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles and was previously spread out over several city blocks. The new campus consolidates living and training areas.
With water- and energy-efficient features, the building will seek LEED certification.
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