Director's Message Transcript

Video duration: 5 minutes, 46 seconds

Hello, I'm Edna Primrose, National Director of the Office of Job Corps.

First, I'd like to say Happy Birthday to Job Corps! August 20th marked our 47th year, and we are still going strong. As we wrap up Program Year 2010 and kick off Program Year, or PY, 2011, it's my pleasure to speak with you about last year's successes and to look at the year ahead.

As you all know, Job Corps exists for one reason: to prepare our students to be professionally and personally successful. Thanks to dedicated staff like you, everything we did in PY 2010 centered on improving our students' experiences and strengthening our program's already-strong foundation.

Let's look at what we accomplished. For starters, our Outcome Measurement System results indicate the program is once again refocusing our efforts on our number one priority: our students. Performance results overall are stronger than ever, and we have increased accountability for low performers.

We launched the Centers for Excellence Initiative. Keep in mind that we're not changing who we serve, but how we serve them. The implementation of our unique standards-based education and training system at the CFEs marks one of the most important transformations in Job Corps' history. Testing best practices on a small scale at these centers will help us effectively implement these changes nationwide in a manner that promotes consistency, stability, and replication.

We also saw the first students enroll at the new Milwaukee Job Corps Center in Wisconsin and the Pinellas Job Corps Center in Florida. Both centers recently held their first graduations, which is really exciting. And July 1st marked the addition of the 125th center in the Job Corps family – the Ottumwa Job Corps Center in Iowa.

Another success in PY 2010 was our demonstration program for transitioning military service members. Job Corps is committed to addressing the needs of our young servicemen and women as they leave the military and return to civilian life.

Finally, we implemented several changes that will allow us to continue to improve the student experience at Job Corps. For example, we strengthened our electronic tracking and oversight systems. We also launched the reform agenda, focused on continuous program improvement, with guidance from Congress and the Office of Management and Budget. At Job Corps, we strive to be transparent and accountable – to our students; parents and guardians; employer, education, and community partners; elected officials; and most importantly, taxpayers.

Having completed such a successful year, I have the highest hopes for what we can accomplish in Program Year 2011. As always, I expect that our top priority will be to provide excellent education and training to our students. Every student who walks on every Job Corps center must have the same opportunity to receive high quality training and services in a safe and secure living and learning environment. We need hard-working, dedicated staff like you who are committed to our mission and your students' success.

I also believe that, in order to continue thriving – particularly in these economic times – we must forge a network of committed partners and leverage resources effectively. I hope to see us put a strong effort behind building more partnerships with high schools and community colleges. Many of you are already doing this important work; but if our students are to remain successful, we must continue engaging our partners in education.

We need solid employer and industry partnerships to keep our students competitive. In PY 2011, I hope that each of you will work to develop partnerships that increase industry-recognized credentialing opportunities and employment options with career paths for our students. Evidence shows what we have known for years at Job Corps: that students who earn credentials obtain better jobs, retain their employment, and are able to advance in their careers.

Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis has laid out a straightforward goal for the Department of Labor: "Good Jobs for Everyone." I am heartened to say that Job Corps plays an integral role in achieving her vision. We know the coming year will bring its own set of challenges. But I am confident that we will meet them with the fortitude and commitment we have demonstrated for over four decades.

In closing, Job Corps cannot remain successful without being dedicated to stability, consistency, transparency, and accountability. And we cannot continue serving our students without the tremendous spirit, energy, and belief in Job Corps that each one of you brings to your jobs every day. We appreciate everything you do, and I thank you for your efforts to make a difference in your students' lives. I look forward to another successful year. Take care!

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Page last updated: Wednesday, April 18, 2012