Staff scrambling after closure of Job Corps offices in North Dakota

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — North Dakota is one of many states that operates the nationwide operation Job Corps with a small number of staff. On Tuesday, the only staff member left at the Fargo Job Corps office was told he was being laid off.

“Literally learning on Friday, I’m going to lose my job sometime this week, and then learning this week that today is the day. That gives me two days to figure out my entire life and to figure out how to provide for my whole family. I don’t disagree with a couple of the events, but the way things have been carried out, the plans of action, and the lack of help for those just affected, that’s what’s really affected me,” said Bryce Young, Career Transition Specialist for Burdick Job Corps in Minot and Fargo.

Young said he had been watching the budget proposal early on and initially believed the cuts were for 2026. But now, over 100 students and staff across the state were told they have to leave the program.

“All students and staff are to be left out of Job Corps. Are just to leave. We’re talking if they can go back home, great. If they’re homeless, they’re now in shelters or homeless on the streets. If they were in the middle of trade, even if they were a week away from finishing their degree in trade, it doesn’t matter it’s defunded,” said Young.

Since the announcement was made on Friday, some at Job Corps, including Young, have been working to help people find other avenues with their trades and housing.

“They’ve been trying to get in touch with workforce and apprenticeship programs and trade programs, and do their best. As have I. I’ve been trying to contact some people. Some students here and there, but yeah there’s only so much we can do,” said Young.

Young had been clearing out his office and has been looking for another job. He has been told that by Monday, he will be able to file for unemployment.