Iroquois Job Corps Center recruiting in Niagara County "underway" once again

Thomas Tedesco, Lockport Union-Sun & Journal, N.Y.
·2 min read

Jan. 22—Those seeking a career in the trades will now be able to do so a little closer to home.

Niagara County has been added once again to the Iroquois Job Corps Center's recruiting zone.

"Niagara County is excited to re-establish working ties with Iroquois Job Corps," 10th District county Legislator David Godfrey said. "Logistically, this territory shift makes sense as their location is much closer for Niagara County residents to take advantage of the many different programs that they provide."

According to center director Dennis Essom, the recruiting zone returned to their Medina-based campus for the first time in about five years. Previously, recruitment in Niagara County was being done through the Cassadega Job Corps Center in Chautauqua County.

"This gives Niagara County youth, particularly between the ages of 16 and 24, an opportunity to get in and continue their education in the trades," Essom said.

Iroquois Job Corps is utilizing Trott Access Center in Niagara Falls as one of its recruitment sites and they are currently working with local officials to secure an additional one in Lockport.

Last June, U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney, NY-24 spoke with officials from the Department of Labor, urging them to move Niagara County into the Iroquois Job Corps Center's recruiting zone and the changeover began to take place in November.

"(Tenney) came and visited the center and discussed our recruitment areas. She advocated for us and led the charge (along with) the U.S. Department of Labor," Essom said.

"I am thrilled that after tirelessly advocating for its inclusion, Niagara County was added to the Iroquois Job Corps Center's recruiting zone," Tenney said. "This will allow the Iroquois Job Corps Center to help Niagara County students learn critical trades, such as bricklaying, carpentry, and electrical work."

Essom said the campus currently has 115 students out of its 225-student capacity.

"Right now we're in the build-up phase... This will help fill our center," Essom said.

The center in Medina is one of 120 centers across the country that offers free career training and education where students, ages 16-24 gain experience to begin a career or apprenticeship, advance to higher education, or join the military.