Some 74 students were eligible to graduate.

Bill Allen, the center director, said this is the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Job Corps Center, which made it a special graduation. He said there are two graduation ceremonies each year and this is one of the largest.

Students, who are between the ages of 16 and 24 and qualify for the tuition-free training program through income guidelines and other criteria.

Allen said a number of graduates are the first members of their families to complete high school or to complete vocational training. Burdick Job Corps also offers students the opportunity for work-based learning, which provides them with hands on training in their chosen career field at businesses in the Minot area. Sometimes students find jobs at that business. Allen said the Job Corps personnel try to ensure that they are all matched with a job or site when they complete the programs at Burdick Job Corps. Students also come up with long-term goals for their lives and picture where they want to be at within 10 years. Allen said the students are encouraged to think of Burdick Job Corps as a first step and to go on for additional training or education.

Andrea Johnson/MDN Some graduates smiled or waved and family members took photos as fellow graduates entered the auditorium before the Burdick Job Corps Center graduation ceremony on Friday afternoon.

Saree Meade, a culinary arts graduate, went on for advanced training in that field.

Meade, who gave the graduation address, said she had come to Job Corps as a 16-year-old to get away from a troubled home life and found strong support from staff and friends at the center.

Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., gave the keynote address. He reminisced about the beginnings of the Burdick Job Corps Center in the early 1990s and the economic boost it has been to the community.

Hoeven said there are 124 Job Corps Centers in the United States and the Burdick Job Corps Center is one of the best. It ranks eighth in the country in placement and average wage earned and No. 3 in outreach and admissions.

“When you leave here, you leave with a skill set where you can earn a good wage,” said Hoeven. “And you’ve either got a job you have already or you’re going to get one right away. Instead of you knocking on doors, you have a skill set so employers are going to knock on your door and say we want you. And that’s what it’s all about.”

Andrea Johnson/MDN Graduate Saree Meade, a culinary arts graduate who also received advanced training, gives a speech on Friday during the Burdick Job Corps graduation ceremony held at the Minot Municipal Auditorium.

Students can complete auto, carpentry, welding, building construction technology, certified nurse assistant, culinary arts, and office administration programs, all areas in demand, according to Hoeven.

Hoeven told the students they are in charge of their own destinies and said they have what it takes to overcome any setbacks they might encounter.

Andrea Johnson/MDN Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., addresses students during the Burdick Job Corps graduation ceremony on Friday at the Minot Municipal Auditorium.