LBJ Job Corps outlines apprenticeship, academic and wildland firefighting programs that serve Macon County

Representatives from LBJ Job Corps briefed the Macon County Board of Commissioners on the center’s operations, training and community partnerships. Vicki Sutton, academic manager, and Keith Bowers, business liaison, described Job Corps as a free residential vocational program that serves students ages 16–24 and provides trades training, high‑school‑equivalency classes, driver’s education and transition services.

Sutton said the center partners with Macon County Schools for a high‑school diploma program and with Southwestern Community College for trade instruction; in the previous program year 43 students earned high‑school equivalency credentials and several students graduated into local jobs. Bowers outlined career transition and work‑based learning services, including NCWorks profile preparation, resume writing and an 18‑month post‑graduation placement support program.

Representatives emphasized community projects completed by Job Corps students locally — painting a Veterans Memorial eagle, building split‑rail fencing for a local school, moving athletic equipment between school facilities, and donating more than 2,100 volunteer hours in the last program year. Bowers said Job Corps centers produce backcountry gates for the U.S. Forest Service at substantially lower cost than commercial procurement — a quoted $3,500 taxpayer saving per gate — and outlined an apprenticeship with Lander Tubular Products.

Commissioners thanked the presenters and encouraged community members to tour the center. No formal action was required; the presentation served as informational outreach tied to Job Corps’ local economic and workforce contributions.