Building Futures: Job Corps Students Launch Careers with Huntington Ingalls Industries

At a recent hiring event hosted by Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) at the Mississippi Job Corps campus, Job Corps students showcased the skills and resilience that make them the workforce leaders of tomorrow. This event was a testament to Job Corps’ unique ability to prepare young adults for high-demand careers while responding directly to the needs of leading employers.

Out of 117 students representing 28 Job Corps campuses nationwide, 70 received job offers, including from the below Eckerd Connects-operated and/or partner campuses:

• William, Brodie, Marques, Dimitri, Tyrick (Turner Job Corps, Albany, Georgia)
• Silas, Jasmine, Daniel, Jalen, Sikuyva (Albuquerque Job Corps, New Mexico)
• Jacob (David L. Carrasco Job Corps, El Paso, Texas)
• Darwin (Potomac Job Corps, Washington, D.C.)

These talented individuals will soon embark on careers with Huntington Ingalls, the largest military shipbuilding company in the United States, which builds ships for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.

What Makes Job Corps Unique?

Job Corps stands out as the nation’s largest tuition-free residential education and career training program for young adults ages 16 to 24. Its comprehensive approach includes:?

• Personalized Career Pathways: Students can choose from more than 100 career technical training areas, from welding and electrical to healthcare and IT.
• Industry-Recognized Certifications: Students earn credentials that directly align with employer needs, such as AWS welding certifications or OSHA safety training.
• Supportive Learning Environment: Job Corps provides wraparound services like housing, meals, career counseling, and life skills training, ensuring students are set up for success both professionally and personally.

Partnering to Meet Employer Needs

Job Corps is more than a training program—it’s a strategic workforce partner. Employers like Huntington Ingalls, CVS Health, Amazon, Disney, and Home Depot turn to Job Corps to address their workforce challenges with job-ready talent.

This partnership model responds to industry demand, offering employers a reliable pipeline of skilled workers while adapting training programs to meet evolving workforce needs. The Huntington Ingalls hiring event is a shining example of how Job Corps bridges the gap between talent development and industry demand.

Eckerd Connects: Leading the Charge

Eckerd Connects, a proud operator of Job Corps campuses, is committed to advancing its FY 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, which emphasizes:?

• Employer-Driven Training: Expanding partnerships with high-growth industries to create opportunities for students and meet workforce demands.
• Holistic Support for Students: Strengthening trauma-informed care, mental health services, and life skills training to empower young adults.
• Innovation and Adaptability: Leveraging technology to enhance learning and operational efficiency, ensuring students are prepared for the jobs of the future.?

Transforming Lives, Building Futures

Job Corps doesn’t just train students—it transforms lives. Students like Jasmine from Albuquerque Job Corps, who said:

"I had no welding experience before coming to Job Corps. Now, I’ve received an offer from Huntington Ingalls and am ready to start an exciting new chapter in my career," are a testament to this transformation.

As Eckerd Connects continues to lead with its mission to Empower Potential and Build Careers, these success stories inspire us to do more and reach farther.

Congratulations to all the students who participated in this event. Your hard work, dedication, and resilience make you shining examples of what Job Corps and Eckerd Connects are all about!

Learn More: Visit Eckerd Connects to discover how we’re building brighter.