What Is It Known For?
The Hawaii Job Corps Center, founded in 1966, is part of a nationwide program run by the U.S. Department of Labor. It’s one of over 120 campuses across the country that offer free education and job training to disadvantaged youth aged 16-24.
The center takes in about 200 students, helping them gain skills for good jobs and independence. This no-cost program aims to improve lives by preparing students for successful careers.
Degrees & Certifications
The Hawaii Job Corps Center offers certificates in over 100 different training areas, which cover a wide range of industries, including:
- Automotive and Machinery Repair
- Hospitality
- Health Care
- Homeland Security
- Renewable Resources and Energy
- Finance and Business, and more.
Class Schedules
At the Hawaii Job Corps Center, students can attend classes in the morning or afternoon. However, the availability of evening classes and online options isn’t clear from the available information.
If you’re interested in these alternatives or want to know about possible externships or clinical experiences, reach out to the school directly.
Is It Legit?
Yes, the Hawaii Job Corps Center is a legitimate educational institution. It operates under the U.S. Department of Labor, which oversees its programs and ensures their quality and effectiveness.
Acceptance Rate
The Hawaii Job Corps Center typically accepts students aged 16 to 24 who come from low-income backgrounds. Applicants must meet citizenship or residency requirements, including DACA status, and pass a background check.
The admission process involves four main steps:
- Expressing your interest
- Submitting an application
- Interviewing with admissions staff
- Completing enrollment
How Much Does It Cost (Tuition)
The Hawaii Job Corps Center offers career training at no cost to students.
This free program is possible because of partnerships between government agencies, labor organizations, and private-sector corporations. Together, they fund the center’s operations, allowing young people to learn valuable job skills without financial burden.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Office Administration
Criminal Justice & Law
- Homeland Security
Professional Services
- Culinary Arts
Skilled Trades
- Construction Technology
- Exterior Landscaping
- Maintenance and Light Repair
Campus Locations
Waimanalo Hawaii Job Corps Center 41-467 Hihimanu St. Waimanalo, HI 96795
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews and recent news reports, the Hawaii Job Corps Center program has been shut down as part of a nationwide closure of many Job Corps centers. The provided reviews reflect a history of both positive and negative experiences, but recent feedback points to a decline in quality and eventual closure.
Overall Score: 4.2/5 Stars
Common Praises
Positive Impact on Lives: Several former students credit the program with changing their lives for the better, providing them with a chance to get an education and valuable work experience.
Effective Job Training: Some reviews praise the quality of the vocational and trade training, noting that the instructors were caring and worked hard to prepare students for their careers.
Unique Cultural and Social Environment: A few reviewers highlight the unique opportunity to meet and interact with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- No-Cost Program: The fact that the program is a free, residential education and vocational training program is a major positive point.
Common Criticisms
Program Closure: The most significant issue, noted in recent reviews and confirmed by recent news reports, is that the program has been shut down. This federal decision to “pause” operations at contractor-operated Job Corps centers nationwide by June 30, 2025, effectively eliminated the program.
Safety Concerns: One review from a parent expressed concern about a lack of safety and supervision, alleging that students were stealing from her daughter.
Administrative and Quality Issues: Older reviews mention that the center was disorganized and difficult to contact. A recent review suggests that the center’s quality had been declining before the closure.
Momentum
The reviews show a shift from highly positive experiences in the past to recent feedback that points to a decline in quality. The most critical piece of information, confirmed by the search, is the center’s recent closure. The positive reviews are from several years ago, and the most recent information indicates that the program is no longer an option for prospective students.