CENTERVILLE—Sometimes people just need a hand up to reach their full potential. Management & Training Corporation (MTC) does just that by providing opportunities for young adults to gain the life skills needed to be successful in life. MTC is headquartered in Centerville, Utah and employs more than 8,000 staff worldwide.

“Dr. Robert Marquardt started it in 1981,” said Issa Arnita, Vice President, Employee Experience. “He purchased four job corp centers including this one in Clearfield. He loved young people and wanted to help them get a job and life skills.”

It’s a federal program administered by the Department of Labor, he said. “It’s a residential program in Clearfield where students live and recreate on campus.”

MTC is headquartered in Centerville, Utah and employs more than 8,000 staff worldwide

It’s for young adults 16-24 with a qualifying income, said Arnita. “There are a lot of different career paths to choose from.”

One is automotives, he said. “Toyota brings in their new vehicles for students to work on. When these students graduate they can make good money. We also have composites and health care. The Clearfield Job Corp is second to none.”

There are rotating graduates throughout the year, Arnita said. “We teach up to 1,000 at the Clearfield Job Corp.”

Many students come from challenging backgrounds, he said. “But we let them know we care about them, their success and their lives. No matter where they are or if they're not sure about themselves or their future, once we work with them and they can see their great potential it’s amazing to see them blossom and do well.”

In 1987, MTC started working in corrections to offer people in custody education and rehabilitation services, said Arnita. “The federal government operates the facility. We provide vocational classes, culinary classes, and as many programs as we can. Many people need help with substance abuse, anger management or parenting classes. All these things are vital when they’re released. It’s challenging but rewarding.”

MTC also works in correctional facilities providing education and rehabilitation to the residents there. Courtesy photos

The old mentality in corrections is “if you do the crime you do the time,” he said. “The reality is they’ll be released some day. The program gets them into rehab, teaches them life skills so they can turn their lives around and look to a brighter future never to come back again.”

The Clearfield Job Corp is the only one in Utah with others across the country, Arnita said. “We’re always looking for students. It’s free because we get funding from the Department of Labor. It’s an excellent program. Students are provided good housing and meals throughout the day. Job Corp has a partnership with Davis Technical College to help them get a job, go into higher education or the military.”

MTC has a passion and belief that people can achieve great things in their lives despite challenges, he said. “Residents in corrections are treated with respect. They’re people. It can be a success story for people who really want to change and not follow the same path. They can get the experience, skills and hope to go get a good paying job and support their families and live great lives.”