Pine Knot Job Corps Civilian Conservation Center

Amazing place. Majority of staff is actually there to do their jobs and train future generations. Can't speak for them at the moment but during my time, just 1 bad seed. I loved my time there and I can't stress enough that courts will send children there as punishment but I personally chose to go. No judgment on the ones sent there because. I did get in 1 fight. I didn't tell on anyone just explained my injured self as a skate boarding accident. I love and miss me laxton that man is a God send to troubled youth.

I was a double highschool drop out, ended up getting my GED at a One Stop Center(unemployment, food stamps,etc) program. Was convinced to check out Job Corps by my weed man. One of my better decisions I made in life. I was working for temp services and fast food restaurants here and there, not really going anywhere in life. Was still living with my Grandma, never left my state, really not striving for anything. Job Corps put me on my first airplane in my life(I was 22) and it never ceased to expand my experiences during my tenure there. I was in the forest with a bunch of people I didn't know. All I had upon arrival was a spare set of clothes, two books,my wallet, and the clothes on my back. Adjusting to the center was hard at first, as I hadn't gotten out of my small minded way of thinking yet. I almost gave up a few times, but the staff there are really amazing. They helped me believe in myself when I had decided to quit(this has been a prevalent pattern in my life) and it turned out for the better. My trade of choice was Urban Forestry, and I also participated in several other optional programs( Fire Crew, Camp Crew, and Public Land Corps). I got to travel to several states such as Texas, Indiana, and Oregon. I enjoyed the sense of community and the events that were put in place for our benefit (holiday parties and meals,special outings into the local community). I made many friends and learned from many great people. I earned a job offer with the United States Forest Service based off of my work performance. I was even accepted into an Advanced Training program in which I earned my sUAS Pilots Licence. Job Corps quite possibly turned my life around. Now the question is did I capitalize on my opurtunity? No. I let untreated mental illness and repressed trauma hold me back after I left the program. I strived inside the program because of the stability and access to resources that I never had before. Once I had completed it and transitioned out, I slowly started to regress. I cut off friends I made in the program. I prioritized a relationship over my job. I mishandled my finances(I was doing that while in the program). I failed to take the next step towards my growth as a person. I ended up back at my grandmother's house, jobless, broke, with a baby on the way. Things can definitely change for the better, but you have to be willing to commit yourself, and most importantly, not be afraid to ask for help.nPine Knot was one my best experiences in life, and my only regret is that I didn't make the most of it. You can always turn your life around, and it's never too let to ask for help.nnThank You to all the staff and students at Pine Knot!nWashington Halln2017-2019

I was there from April of 94 to April of 95,was absolutely a great experience,met some really good people,and wish we had kept in touch,but with that said,I recommend Pine knot to anyone wanting to better themselves,hope to go back and visit one day!!!

I attended 99 through 2000 and my trade was urban forestry. It was life changing for me. A truly wonderful experience. I have gone on to start 2 business, one of which uses the skills I learned while at PKJCC, the other a successful construction company.nnI didn't want to attend but I was forced to. I made the most out of it and it changed my life. I started out headed down the road to getting kicked out. But one instructor just kept pouring into me and I guess you could say he convinced me I was better than what I thought I was back then. His name was Frank Woosley. He was the Urban Forestry instructor. To him I owe a big thank you!nnThere were several issues that arose between students while I was there, but there will always be issues that arise when you put people from diverse cultures and backgrounds together. ( Not to mention just people being people) There will be struggles and challenges along the way, with both staff and other fellow piers, but I didn't let that stop me and neither should you. I worked through the struggles and made some of the best memories and friends from them. Not to mention a trade that has provided me and my family with a comfortable life.nnIf you are considering going here I would recommend it. This place can change you life if you want it to.nnSomeone had mentioned in another review that the degrees we get upon graduation don't mean anything in the real world... My degree means a lot to me! It hangs on the wall in my office next to my OTHER degrees. It was the first one I ever got and showed me that I could do anything if I put my mind to and and was willing to fight for it! I am proud of that Job Corp degree. You will be too if you manage to get one.

I currently go to pine knot and its actually pretty fun the teachers are great and some of the instructors will even help you find a job for your career when you get close to completing the program if your the type of person who is better with hands on training this is a place id suggest for you to go