Free job training center opens new location in downtown Indianapolis

IndyPendence Job Corps opened a new center in downtown Indianapolis this week. The organization provides free vocational training, administered by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Job Corps has been a part of the city since the 1980s, but hopes to serve more people at its new location.

Reginald Porter is the site director at the Indianapolis location. He said the program focuses on training 16 to 24-year-olds as certified nursing assistants and office administrators.

“College isn’t for everyone, and college is expensive,” he said. “This program is free - therefore not having to worry about student loans or having to pay out of pocket for tuition.”

Porter said the new location within the Indianapolis BMO building has roughly doubled its size, allowing them to serve up to 100 students simultaneously.

According to Porter, the program has a 92 percent job placement rate with its students.
“We’re really into making sure we’re a pivotal point in making sure that Indianapolis is educated and trained and also that individuals get a career after leaving this institution,” he said.

Currently, the program has about 12 students enrolled.

Porter said his message to students is: “We’re open.”