Published

Restaurant Owner Talks About the Benefits of Job Corps Program

Video Shot Prior to COVID-19 Pandemic

The owner of a popular restaurant in Astoria, Oregon talks about his partnership with MTC’s Tongue Point Job Corps Center.

“I look at it as a unique opportunity for these students to attend a program like Job Corps, at no expense to them and have an opportunity for a leg up.”

Executive Chef Chris Holen is the owner of the Baked Alaska Restaurant and is a big supporter of Job Corps.

“I know the Job Corps kids need to have work-based learning and this experience. But we also need them in our restaurant. It’s good for them, and it’s good for us; it keeps us fresh. I figure the more we can teach somebody, the better we become at our jobs.”

“I believe in Job Corps. But, at the end of the day, it’s up to the students, what they do with this opportunity. I tell them no one is going to give you everything. But this is a gift. So, after this [Job Corps training] is over, it’s going to be up to them what they do with the new knowledge they have gained.“

It’s a good investment in these kids. — It’s a really good investment. You’re creating skilled workers that are going out and will make an impact in the world; and become, at the end of the day, tax-paying Americans. I would definitely say the government is getting their money back.”