Job Corps Center Closures Prompt Concern Over Future OSHA Safety Training Access
A phased pause at federally funded Job Corps sites raises questions about how entry-level workers in high-risk industries will access essential safety and workforce readiness programs.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Jun 06, 2025
The U.S. Department of Labor announced it will begin a phased pause of operations at certain contractor-operated Job Corps centers, part of a broader effort to evaluate and modernize the program’s structure and performance.
The decision follows an internal review and is being conducted in accordance with available funding, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), and required congressional notifications. While the department did not specify which centers will be affected, officials said the phased approach will allow for an orderly transition.
Job Corps, a federally funded residential education and job training program for young adults, serves over 50,000 students annually across the United States. Many of its centers are operated by private contractors under the oversight of the Department of Labor.
“Modernizing and strengthening the Job Corps program is essential to ensuring that students receive the highest quality training, education and support,” the department said in a statement. “This process will position the program for long-term success and sustainability.”
The department emphasized that its top priorities during the transition include protecting student access to education, maintaining transparency with staff and contractors, and continuing coordination with local communities and stakeholders.
Further updates on affected centers and the transition timeline are expected in the coming months.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.