The Kicking Horse Job Corps Center showcased its programs during an open house. 

When it comes to learning a trade, sometimes it helps to take a hands-on approach.

That was the philosophy on display at the Kicking Horse Job Corps Center, during the vocational training program’s open house on Oct. 5. 

“I never feel like I’ve accomplished anything until I get my hands dirty,” Angel Ramirez, a student studying heavy equipment repair, said. “This is probably the first time they’ve been clean in weeks.”

Ramirez and other job corps members took time out of their days to show off the benefits of the program, which aims to provide 16 to 24-year-olds an opportunity to learn a variety of trades, from dissecting diesel engines to drawing blood. After graduation, participants enjoy a high probability of placement in the workforce. 

Orion Burrell, a culinary arts student, said he is set up to work on a cruise ship when he graduates. 

“I’ll get to travel all over the world,” Burrell said. 

Although Burrell said he has always held an interest in cooking, other job corps members use the program as an opportunity to explore their passions.

Kristine Wash was originally interested in training as a dental assistant, but after a few weeks she made the transition to heavy equipment operator. As one of only three girls in the program, she said the experience has helped her grow as a person. 

“When I was first here everyone said I was too quiet,” Wash said. “Now they all say I’m kind of mean.”

Promoting character development is a critical element of the program. Most participants live in dormitories on campus, and are required to assume responsibilities such a cleaning and working in the cafeteria. 

While job corps is part of a federal program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, the Kicking Horse center has unique attributes that also contribute to the experience. 

Donna Mitchell, the center’s outreach coordinator, said that the center is contracted through the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the only such arrangement in the country. Founded in 1970, the center was originally reserved for Native Americans, however it opened its doors to all students seven years ago. 

The new policy has turned the center into a melting pot of various cultures and backgrounds. One of the most far-flung corps members, Theodore Ntumba, hails from the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Africa. He came to the United States in 2011 as a refugee, and enrolled in job corps after struggling to find traditional work. 

“I realized that I needed to learn a trade,” Ntumba said. “Something that I can be proud of in the future.” 

As a heavy equipment operator in training, Ntumba looks forward to working outside in a challenging field.  While coming to Montana was a bit of a shock, Ntumba said he has learned from the experience, improving his English and even participating in several powwows.

“We have some of the same beliefs and practices,” Ntumba said of Native American and African cultures. 

Mitchell said the center’s open house provides an opportunity for prospective students to learn about the program, while allowing current corps members a way to show off their accomplishments.

“They always get really excited when they get to talk about what they do,” 

For more information about programs or enrolling in job corps visit the center’s website at http://kickinghorse.jobcorps.gov/admissions.aspx or call 800-733-5627.