Students at the Earle C. Clements Job Corps Academy have an exciting and new career option thanks to a partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The program offers students the opportunity to qualify for jobs with FEMA and deploy to disaster sites across the country. Their role will include working on ways to reduce vulnerability to hazards and helping communities prepare for and cope with various natural disasters. Reservists are on call, travel all around country, and provide vital assistance whenever needed.

The pilot program launched last year at two MTC-operated centers: Earle C. Clements and Clearfield Job Corps centers.

Students must be at least 21 years of age, pass a tier two background check, be OSHA-10 certified, achieve high academic marks, and be in good standing.

Graduates of this pilot program who are hired are offered a 90-day deployment as a probation employment period with salary and per diem. Those hired may choose the federal health program and may be offered careers within FEMA including management opportunities.

The deadline for applications at Earle C. Clements Job Corps was extended to October 9, 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions and Job Corps distance learning for all students.

A graduate of the 12-week program may earn $30,000-$37,000 plus benefits.

Here’s just one success story from the new program.

Andrew McWilliams virtually transferred from Montgomery Job Corps after being accepted into the program. His carpentry instructor Herman Dunn says,

“Mr. McWilliams goes above and beyond to ensure an assigned job is done in a timely manner. He successfully takes on special projects and assignments that have added to his growth of his technical and business knowledge.”

“One thing I like about the FEMA program,” says Andrew, “is the ability to learn ways so we can help others.”

FEMA instructor Kim Booker adds, “Andrew has been able to stay on track with all lessons and has participated in all requirements for the FEMA program. His is also currently working a full-time job, but even with his busy schedule, he is still able to complete all classwork in a timey manner. He has proven to be reliable and interested in his future career and has always presented a professional attitude with what he has accomplished through the FEMA program. We would recommend Andrew to anyone.”

Andrew interviewed with FEMA earlier this year and received a job offer as site inspector earning $21.86 per hour plus a daily per diem.

The second Earle C. Clements Job Corps FEMA class is set to begin April 12, 2021.