nwdesi updated 12.06
COLUMBIA BASIN JOB CORPS CENTER
6739 24th Street, N.E.
Building 2402
Moses Lake, WA 98837
Phone Number: 509-762-5581
Fax Number: 509-793-1758
Description of Surrounding Community: The Columbia Basin Job Corps Center is located in Central Washington, approximately 100 miles west of Spokane and 150 miles east of Seattle. The center was formerly the Larson Air Force Base and is four miles from downtown Moses Lake’s city center. The Moses Lake area is called the “high-desert” and has a dry, desert-like climate, with cold winters and hot summers.
Profile Update: November 2008
GENERAL QUESTIONS
What are your current trade offerings? Please provide a brief description of each and an estimate of how long it takes (hours or months, etc.) to complete each trade.
Vocation Avg. No. of Months to Complete:
Business Technologies 12
Culinary Arts 8-12
Building Maintenance 8-12
Nursing Assistant 8 +
Pharmacy Technician 8 +
Carpentry 12
Cement Mason 12
Plastering 12
Painting 12
Welding 12-24
CISCO 12-24
What is special or unique about your particular center? (e.g. a unique vocational trade or recreational activity)
Advanced Career Training (ACT) at Big Bend Community College
Pharmacy Technician Vocation - one of only two in the Job Corps program nationally
Do you have any brochures or other promotional information specific to your center? Who is the contact for getting this information?
YES. Contact person: Rene Gamboa
What do your students commonly say they wish they had known before arriving that they didn’t know?
I wish I had known you didn’t sell cigarettes on center and that the center supports
Washington State law in regards to enforcement of minors NOT being allowed to smoke while in Job Corps
What is the weather like in the area?
Dry, desert-like, cold winters with some snow, hot summers and mild spring and fall.
Sunshine over 300 days each year.
Is there anything in particular students should know about the area? (e.g. major attractions, remoteness, etc.)
The center is four miles from town. There are no large malls. Wal-Mart Supercenter is the major shopping center. Grand Coulee Dam, located 60 miles north, is a major attraction with its laser light shows. The following attractions are all located in Moses Lake: large multiplex Cinema (six screens), large bowling alley, batting cages, an ice rink, and a large aquatic center (open May to Sept. only).
Page 8 of 8 Columbia Basin Job Corps Center
nwdesi updated 12.06
STUDENT QUESTIONS
Departing for the Job Corps Center
What items should I bring?
Appropriate clothing for work, school and sports. Personal grooming items, pictures,
small radio/walkman. Appropriate seasonal clothing.
BRING: Telephone cards Birth certificate
Social Security Card Driver’s license
Immunization records Health insurance card
GED/HS diploma Alien Registration card
What items should I not bring?
Clothing that promotes use of alcohol, drugs, imitates gang related attire, is torn or unprofessional. Leave expensive jewelry, electronic games, sound systems, Magic and Tarot cards, role playing games and weapons at home. Do not bring aerosol can products on center. All medication prescribed or not, will be dispensed by the center nurse; no medications are allowed in students’ lockers.
What items will the center provide?
Bed linens, pillow, blanket/comforter, small towels, laundry soap, an initial supply
of toiletry items, work boots/shoes; most trades have uniforms. Thermal underwear,
knit hats, and work gloves are also available.
How much luggage can I bring?
Greyhound bus travel: limit is two large bags/boxes and two carry-ons.
Airline travel: two bags (weight is limited depending on the airline company), one carry-on.
Where is the center bus pickup? Airport pick up?
Greyhound and Trailways have locations in Moses Lake. Spokane International Airport is approximately 100 miles from center. If you miss your bus or plane, call (509) 762-5581 or call your Admissions Counselor. You will be met by staff and student leaders displaying the Job Corps logo. If someone plans to bring you to center, please notify the Introduction to Center Life staff, Rene Gamboa, as soon as possible.
Where do I go upon arrival at the Greyhound Station or the airport?
· Greyhound: Please collect your luggage and wait in the front of the station.
· Spokane Airport: Go to baggage claim to collect luggage and wait there.
What/Who should I look for?
· Greyhound: ICL Instructor (Barb or Renee) or a female Van Driver (Vena or Lorraine).
· Spokane Airport: Driver will usually be Vena and she will be wearing a Job Corps Jacket.
Is there an average waiting time?
No
What do I do if I miss my bus or plane?
Call your Admissions Counselor.
If there is an emergency who should I call on center?
Trish Supan, 509-793-1631
Arrival at the Job Corps Center
Dormitories
What are the dorms like? How many students are in each dorm?
There are one and two story dorms. Each has six to eight apartments per floor with 6 or 7 students per apartment. All of the dorms were either built or remodeled by students at Columbia Basin. Approximately 30-50 students per dorm depending on the dorm and assignments made.
When am I assigned to a room?
Immediately upon arrival on center, after your belongings are inventoried, a student leader will show you to your dorm and assist you. Your comfort and quality of life as a student at Columbia Basin is of the utmost importance.
Will I be able to choose my roommate(s)?
Generally, you are assigned to a room where there is a vacant bed available. However, if you notify us ahead of time that you are arriving on the “buddy” system, we may be able to make accommodations prior to arrival.
Who cleans the dorm?
Each resident is responsible to keep his/her area clean at all times. The clean-up chores are shared by all of the residents since dorms are inspected daily for cleanliness.
What are the curfew hours?
Weekdays: 10:45PM - Sunday through Thursday.
Weekends: 11:45PM - Friday and Saturday.
There will be consequences when you miss bed check or are late for curfew.
Meals
Meal Schedules:
Weekdays: Weekends:
6:15 to 7:00AM - Breakfast 9:00 to 11:00 - Brunch
11:00 AM - Lunch 3:00 to 4:00PM - Dinner
4:15 PM - Dinner Evening snacks in Rec Hall
Snacks are available in vending machines.
Those with dietary restrictions and vegetarians need to report this to the Intro to
Center Life staff upon arrival.
Laundry
What is the laundry policy?
The center has commercial-style laundry facilities for bed linens and each dorm has facilities for the students to wash their own clothing. Laundry products are provided or you may bring your own.
Clothing, Accessories and Personal Care
What is the center’s dress code? Am I expected to wear a uniform?
Clothing should be neat and clean, not torn and will not promote drugs/alcohol, gangs, sexual preference, etc. Shirts will have sleeves and pants will be worn at the waist; no sagging. Tank tops, shorts, and sandals may be worn during the student’s leisure time, not during the training day. During meal hours, health codes require that all students must wear shirts with sleeves and feet must be fully covered. During your Education week /training hours, you will be required to wear the “minimum standard” attire consisting of warehouse-issued pants and polo shirts. Each trade has a specific dress code appropriate for that trade. Union and shop trades provide uniforms, as well as the Health Occupations and Culinary Arts trades.
Can I wear jewelry?
Earrings may be worn during students’ leisure time; however, certain trades require that earrings and jewelry be removed during the training day. No “body rings” will be worn
at any time including: eyebrow, tongue, nose, fingernail or torso. Earrings are limited
to two in each ear, and must be studs or small hoops.
Where do I get my hair cut?
There are several shops in town where you may receive a discount for hair cuts. The current student leaders will assist you to locate one.
Does the center have a policy on hair length or styles? On facial hair?
In general, hair must be neat, clean, well-groomed and meet employability standards for your chosen vocational trade. Each trade has specific grooming standards.
When do I get my clothing allowance?
How much is it? You receive a clothing allowance after you have been on Center 60 days; then at six months, then at 12 months on Center.
What is the smoking policy?
There is no smoking allowed in any building on Center or in any vehicle. Tobacco products must be purchased off center (e.g. in Moses Lake). Designated smoking areas are outside.
Contacting Family and Friends
How can my parents, family and friends reach my by telephone?
There are pay phones available in all dorms and a phone room with additional phones. PLEASE LEAVE PAGERS AT HOME. Cell phones are allowed, however, not during the training day (7:30AM – 4:00PM). Cell phones will be checked into the dorm supervisor daily.
What will my mailing address be?
Columbia Basin Job Corps, 6739 24th St. N.E. Bldg. 2402, Moses Lake, WA 98837. Message phone after 4:00PM and weekends: (509) 762-5581.
Will I have access to the internet? Will I get an email account? Can I use my own?
Yes, there are computers on center where you may access your email. If you do not have an email address already, we will help you get one started.
Can my family send me money?
Yes. Funds need to be sent in small amounts preferably by postal money orders. They are easier to cash. NO personal checks please.
Can my family and friends visit me at the Center? If so, when?
Yes, family may visit any time but it is recommended they do so after work hours. Friends may visit on weekends from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. There are no overnight facilities to house visitors on center.
When can I go home to visit? Weekend passes?
After completing ICL (Introduction to Center Life - approx. two to four weeks) students may take weekend passes. These passes are earned for positive behavior and performance.
There are two scheduled breaks, winter (late December) and summer (early July). Both are two weeks long. These are government-paid leaves and transportation is provided.
Introduction to Center Life (ICL)
What is the schedule like for new students? What will happen during my first 60 days? at the Center?
New students arrive throughout the day and evening, every other Tuesday. Belongings are inventoried and checked for any items that are not allowed. Your first Wednesday: enrolling, cursory medical exams, presentations from Center Director, counselors, and an introduction to the discipline system. The first 10 days of ICL are learning to deal with change, adjusting to a new environment, building a positive self-image, self-evaluations, learning how to set goals, educational testing and a full physical examination from the Center doctor, dentist and/or nurse practitioner. The following 14 days are designed for career assessment, planning and preparation. During this time you will have the opportunity to explore several trades of your choice and begin your career development.
What is the gender ratio of the students at the Center?
175 males, 115 females
Will I get my first choice of trade?
Yes, however if your first choice is full, you may be asked to begin training in your second choice until there is a vacancy.
Who are the ICL Coordinator and ICL Assistant for Occupation Exploration?
Rene Gamboa & Barb Kapalo are the ICL/CEP Coordinators
Daily Life on Center
How do I get my mail?
Mail is distributed at the canteen from 5:00pm to 8:30pm each Monday through Saturday. Packages and letters may be required to be opened in the presence of a staff member to ensure contraband is not being received.
What is the typical work/school week schedule?
Education week: 8:00AM to 3:30 PM, Work week: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. A thirty-minute lunch will be taken between 11:00AM and 12:15PM. After ICL (approx. four weeks) a student will spend one week in school and one week in trade. An evaluation team will meet with the student to review progress/ performance and set short and long term goals. There are serious consequences for tardiness and not attending classes.
What is expected classroom behavior and dress code?
Students are expected to dress and behave in ways that are conducive to a positive learning environment and that do not interfere with the rights of others. (Please see the answer under: Clothing, Accessories and Personal Care).
Is there a dress code for my non-classroom hours?
Yes. There is certain clothing you will not be allowed to wear as detailed at the very beginning of this document under “What I Should and Should Not Bring.” You will be given complete “Dress for Success” instructions in your Student Handbook when you arrive. We are here to assist you to become an employable, successful member of the work force.
Is there English as a Second Language (ESL) program at this Center?
No.
Can I earn high school credits? A high school diploma?
Yes, the center as a linkage with Wellpinit High School District. To earn your HS Diploma, you must enter the Job Corps program needing only a few credits to complete you requirements.
How do I earn my GED?
When the Center is certain that you have a basic mastery of reading, writing and math skills, and after you have taken classes that will prepare you to take the state GED test, you will be scheduled for GED testing at the Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake.
Can I work on my own time, off the Center?
Yes, however there are some requirements that you must meet first, including length
of stay, no negative behavior, positive attitude and a certain “color card” level.
What is the Zero Tolerance Policy?
The use of drugs or alcohol, harassment or intimidation, either physical or verbal, will not be tolerated. A urinalysis test will be administered to all new students.
What recreational activities are offered?
On center activities include: arts and crafts, basketball, baseball, volleyball, movies, pool tables, table games, video games, Play Stations, etc. Off center activities include: bowling, movies, auto races, camping, swimming, skating and many other activities. Student committees aid in scheduling the Rec program.
Is there student leadership opportunities?
Our center has a very active Student Government Association. Student leaders offer many different types of varied activities depending on the season: Choirs, Karate classes, etc.