Where to Find Tips, Testing and Training at Little or No Cost
Apprenticeship Preparation Classes
Sponsored by the Los Angeles Unified School District.
- Services:
- Preparation of trainees so they can meet apprenticeship entry requirements in a variety of trades, including sheet metal, plumbing, steam fitting, painting and drywall, electrical, sprinkler fitting, carpentry, air conditioning and refrigeration
- Information on selection processes of various union apprenticeship programs
- Instruction and review in math, reading and mechanical aptitude
- Focus on minorities and women, but open to all qualified applicants
- Placement assistance and vocationl counseling
Enrollment: Program features open enrollment and operates on a year-round basis
Cost: $5 fee for student identification card. All learning materials provided free of cost.
Hours: Classes offered 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
- Address:
- African-American Unity Center, 944 W. 53rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90037, (323) 789-5656
- East Los Angeles Skills Center, 3921 Selig Place, Los Angeles, CA 90031, (323) 227-0018
- Los Angeles Technology Center, 3721 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90018,(323) 732-0153
- Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center, 10925 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90059, (323) 564-1431
- North Valley Occupational Center, 11450 Sharp Ave., Mission Hills, CA 91345, (818) 365-9645
Nonprofit organization provides a wide variety of services to people who are legally blind. Offers more than 200 classes in independent living skills.
- Career services:
- Learning Center for active job seekers. Offers classes covering resume writing, interview skills and adaptive equipment
- Career development
- Job search and placement
- On-site job analysis before and after placement
- Subsidy program for adaptive equipment
- Annual seminar for employers
- Free consultations to employers regarding visual impairment in the workplace
- School-to-work transition services for youths 16-20 years of age
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
- Locations:
- 741 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90029, (323) 663-1111
- 527 N. Dale St., Anaheim, CA 92801, (714) 821-5000
- 70-251 Ramon Rd., Rancho Mirage, CA 92270, (760) 321-1111
- 2031 De La Vina St., Santa Barbara, CA 93105, (805) 682-6222
California Business Incubation Network
Nonprofit, statewide association advocates fostering the development of new business in California. Business incubators provide entrepreneurial services to small businesses during the start-up period with affordable space, shared support services and business development services such as financing, marketing and management.
- Services offered by CBIN:
- Information clearinghouse
- Technical assistance with development and operations
- Seminars, conferences and workshops
- Speakers bureau
- Economic Legislative Update
Address: 225 Broadway, Suite 375, San Diego, CA 92101
Telephone: Sheila Washington at (619) 237-0559; E-mail Sheila at sheilawash@aol.com; (800) 427-4710
- Facility-based incubators in Southern California:
- San Gabriel Valley International Business Incubator, 10505 Valley Blvd., El Monte, CA 91731, (858) 279-2727
- Border Environmental Commerce Alliance, 477 Marina Parkway, Chula Vista, CA 91910, (619) 498-4960
- Business and Industry Services Center, 901 E. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701-3920, (714) 564-5202
- Business Technology Center, 2400 Lincoln Ave., Altadena, CA 91001,(626) 296-6300
- NASA Commercialization Center, Cal Poly Pomona, Building 86, Pomona, CA 91768, (909) 869-4477
- CalStart, 2181 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena CA 91107, (626) 744-5600
- CHARO Community Development Corp., 4301 E. Valley Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90032, (323) 269-0751
- EC Square Annenberg Incubator Project, 746 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90089-7727, (213) 743-2344
- Idealab, 130 W. Union St., Pasadena, CA 91103, (626) 585-6900
- Inland Empire Business Incubator, 264 S. Leland Norton Way,Suite B-120, San Bernardino, CA 92408, (909) 382-0065
- City of Lancaster, Lancaster City Hall, 44933 N. Fern Ave., Lancaster, CA 93534, Vern Lawson, (661) 723-6108
- Pasadena Enterprise Center, 1015 N. Lake Ave., Suite 100, Pasadena, CA 91104, (626) 398-9974
- RBTIC (Ridgecrest Business Technology Incubator Center), 139 N. Balsam St., Ridgecrest, CA 93555, (760) 384-1118
- San Diego Technology Incubator, San Diego City College, 1313 12th Ave., San Diego, CA 92101, (619) 230-2081
- UCLA Venture Program, Anderson School of Management, 110 Westwood Plaza, Suite C506, Los Angeles, CA 90095, (310) 825-1808
- Vermont-Slauson Business Enterprise Center, 6109 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90044, (323) 753-2335
California Conservation Corps
Hires young men and women to work for one year on a variety of environmental and community projects and to respond to emergencies such as forest fires, floods and earthquakes. Corps members learn job skills and gain work experience. Both residential and nonresidential positions are available. Upon completion of one year in the program, participants qualify for a $2,000 scholarship.
Qualifications: Women and men between the ages of 18 and 23 who are California residents and not on probation or parole
Telephone: (800) 952-5627 or
(213) 744-2254
California Council for Veterans Affairs
- Services:
- Employment referral
- Job listings
- Computer matching of applicant qualifications to employer needs
- Vetern Women's shelter
Cost: Free
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri.; counseling by appointment only, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Address: 2501 W. Florence Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90043
Telephone: Contact Al Tatum, (323) 750-9967
California Registry of Professional Counselors and Paraprofessionals
Service: Referrals to professional career and rehabilitation counselors
Cost: Referrals are free; variable fees for counseling
Address: 2555 E. Chapman Ave., Suite 201, Fullerton, CA 92831
Web site: www.california-registry.org
E-mail: cacd@cacd.org
Telephone: (714) 284-8857
California Small Business Development Centers
Counseling and training of small-business owners and prospective entrepreneurs.
- Services:
- In-depth, one-on-one consulting
- Business planning and management assistance
- Marketing and technical assistance
- Business education and training
- Assistance with expansion into international marketplace
- Economic and business data
- Access to federal, state and local programs
- Locations:
- Eastern Los Angeles County SBDC, 300 W. 2nd St., Suite 203, Pomona, CA 91766, (909) 629-2247
- Export SBDC of Southern California, 222 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 1690, El Segundo, CA 90245, (310) 606-0166
- Export SBDC El Monte/South El Monte outreach office, 10501 Valley Blvd., Suite 106, El Monte, CA 91731, (626) 459-4111 (call for appointment)
- Export SBDC Santa Fe Springs outreach office, 10400 Norwalk Blvd., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670, (562) 941-2903 (call for appointment)
- Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce SBDC, 4275 Executive Square, Suite 920, La Jolla, CA 92037, (619) 453-9388
- Inland Empire SBDC, 1157 Spruce St., Riverside, CA 92507, (909) 781-2345
- North Los Angeles County SBDC, 5121 Van Nuys Blvd., 3rd Floor, Van Nuys, CA 91403, (818) 907-9922
- Orange County SBDC, 901 E. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, CA 92701, (714) 647-1172
- Southwestern College Small Business Development and International Trade Center, 900 Otay Lakes Rd., Bldg. 1600, Chula Vista, CA 91910, (619) 482-6391
- Southwest Los Angeles County SBDC, 2377 Crenshaw, Suite 120, Torrance, CA 90501, (310) 787-6466
- Westside SBDC, 3233 Donald Douglas Loop South, Suite C, Santa Monica, CA 90405, (310) 398-8883
- Accelerate Technology SBDC, 4199 Campus Drive, Suite 240, Irvine, CA 92612, (714) 509-2990
- South Central SBDC, 3650 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Suite 246, Los Angeles, CA 90008, (213) 290-2832
- Glendale SBDC, 330 N. Brand Blvd., Suite 190, Glendale, CA 91203, (818) 552-3321
Career Encores
Referral service for people 50 and older. Serves only Los Angeles County, networking with 50 other agencies countywide.
- Services:
- Information on job training
- Job listings for employers and job seekers
- Job search assistance including resume preparation, cover letters and job interviews
- Job clubs:
- 6180 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Suite 165, North Hollywood, CA 91606
- 3700 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 200, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Cost: Free to eligible applicants and employers
Hotline hours: 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
- Telephone hotlines:
- Los Angeles County only: (800) 833-6267
- Outside Los Angeles County: (213) 427-6600 Ext. 125
Call for appointment.
Career Planning Center
Private, nonprofit, community-based organization offering one-stop career services.
- Services:
- Career counseling and vocational assessment
- Job search workshops
- Job listings and job Internet access
- Vocational library
- Interview preparation
- Resume writing
- Job training and re-training options
- Referrals to classroom training and employer-based training
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
- Locations:
- Career Planning Center, 1623 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035, (310) 273-6633, Ext. 0
- Marina Del Rey/Mar Vista One-Stop Career Center, 13160 Mindanao Way Suite 240, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292, (310) 309-6000
Call for appointment and schedule of activities.
Chicana Service Action Center
Work Force Investment Act-funded job-training and placement services for low-income people. Men and women of all nationalities may apply.
- Services:
- Job training and placement
- Transportation
- GED classes
- Requirements:
- The following documents are required of applicants: I.D. or driver's license; Social Security, birth certificate, proof of residency or work permit; proof of income (from public assistance or employer); address verification; selective service registration (required only of men between 18 and 28 years of age)
- Job Links program requires high school diploma or GED.
- Must meet low-income requirements based on family size
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Address: 315 W. 9th St., Los Angeles, CA 90015
Telephone: (213)629-5800
City of Los Angeles Employment Opportunities
Listing of current job openings with the city (not including police officers and firefighters), updated weekly. "Challenging Careers" brochure available upon request.
Hours: 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Address: 700 E. Temple St., Room 100, Los Angeles, CA 90012
E-mail: LASystem@aol.com
Telephone: (213) 847-9240
Jobs hotline: (213) 847-9424. Call for 24-hour recorded message listing current openings.
City of Los Angeles One-Stop Workforce Development Centers
One-Stop Career Centers assist qualified adults (plant closures, layoffs, long-term unemployed, etc.) with job search, training and placement. Programs for youths and older persons are offered, and some services are available to the general public as well. The centers are sponsored by the city of Los Angeles Private Industry Council and Community Development Department.
- Services:
- Counseling and assessment
- Workshops on resume writing, interviewing skills, networking and economic survival
- Supportive services, such as stress and financial management, and if qualified, transportation and child-care assistance
- Remedial skills training
- Job training and placement
- Retraining opportunities, such as classroom, on-the-job and customized training
- Job resource centers, including job listings, telephones, faxes, copiers, computers and laser printers
- CalJobs computer network matching employers and job opportunities to job seekers
- Downtown:
- Chicana Service Action One-Stop Center, 315 W. 9th St., Suite 101, Los Angeles, CA 90015, (213) 253-5959
- Chinatown Service Satellite Center, 767 N. Hill St., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 253-0880
- Crenshaw and South Central:
- Watts Labor Community Action Committee One-Stop, 10950 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90059, (323) 563-4702
- United Auto Workers--Labor Employment Training Commission One-Stop, 3500 S. Figueroa St., Unit #201, Los Angeles, CA 90007, (213) 743-3950
- Community Centers Inc One-Stop, 7518-26 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90044, (323) 752-2115
- &$149; Los Angeles Urban League, 3450 Mount Vernon Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90008, (323) 299-9660
- Wilshire, Hollywood and West Los Angeles:
- Community Career Development One-Stop, 635 S. Harvard Bl., Los Angeles, CA 90005, (213) 365-9829
- Westlake One-Stop, 1541 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90017, (213) 353-1677
- Career Planning Center, 13160 Mindanao Way, Suite 240, Marina del Rey, CA 90292, (310) 309-6000
- Palms-Mar Vista One-Stop, 11251 National Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064, (310) 478-7333
- MCS Rehabilitation Satellite, 6381 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 430, Hollywood, CA 90028, (323) 960-1300
- Advanced Computing Institute, 3470 Wilshire Blvd., 11th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010, (213) 383-8999
- East Los Angeles:
- United Community Resources Agency One-Stop, 1260 S. Soto St., Suite 16, Los Angeles, CA 90023, (323) 265-2278
- Charo Community Development Corp. One-Stop, 4301 E. Valley Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90032, (323) 343-9477
- Valley:
- Valley One-Stop at Van Nuys, 14546 Hamlin St., Suite 305, Van Nuys, CA 91411, (818) 781-2522
- Canoga Park/West Hills One-Stop, 21515 Vanowen St., Suite 116, Canoga Park, 91303, (818) 884-2522
- Sun Valley One-Stop Workforce and Industry Center, 9024 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Sun Valley, CA 91352 (818) 504-0334
- Verdugo Jobs Center, 1255 S. Central Ave., Glendale, CA 91204, (818) 409-0470
- Goodwill Industries Career Resource Center, 342 San Fernando Road, Los Angeles, CA 90031, (323) 223-1211 x578
- BUILD One-Stop Career Center, 20500 Nordhoff St., Chatsworth, CA 91311 (818) 701-9800
- Career Encores Satellite (serving workers 55 and older), 6180 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Suite 325, North Hollywood, CA 91606, (800) 833-6267
- Harbor and South Bay:
- Harbor One-Stop Career Center, 1851 N. Gaffey St., Suite F, San Pedro, CA 90731, (310) 732-5700
- Westchester One-Stop Career Center, 8929 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90045, (310) 665-0540
Cost: Free
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Telephone: 800-FOR-A-JOB (for 310, 213 and 818 area codes only)
City of Los Angeles Personnel Department, Police and Fire Selection Division
Division of the city's personnel department responsible for the hiring of police officers and firefighters.
- Weekly testing for police officer positions:
- Wilshire Police Station, 4861 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016, Tuesdays, 7 p.m.
- North Hollywood Police Station, 11640 Burbank Blvd. N. Hollywood, CA 90601, Mon and Wed, 7 p.m.
- Police Academy, 1880 N. Academy Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Saturdays, 8 a.m.
- Personnel Building, 700 E. Temple St., Los Angeles, CA 90012, Thursdays, 7 p.m.
Cost: Free
Hours: 7 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. (telephone and walk-in)
Address: 700 E. Temple St., Room 150, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Web site: https://www.cityofla.org/PER/index.htm
Telephone: Police: (213) 847-LAPD; Fire: (213) 847-LAFD
Employment Development Department
State agency offering a variety of services to job seekers and employers.
- Services:
- CalJobs, a statewide computer network matching applicants and openings accessible through the Internet at www.caljobs.ca.gov
- Job-search workshops
- Experience Unlimited job clubs geared toward professional, managerial and technical workers seeking jobs
- Referrals to training or educational facilities and social service agencies
- Unemployment and disability insurance
Telephone: (800) 300-5616
Employment Training Panel
A state agency that helps California businesses try to stay competitive, productive and profitable by assisting in funding for training to increase the skill of workers. ETP contracts with employers, training agencies and private industry councils only. ETP does not provide training, but provides funding for programs in areas such as:
- Total quality management
- Statistical process control
- Computer training
- Production techniques
- Computer-assisted design
- Computer-assisted manufacturing
- Entrepreneurial training
- Welfare-To-Work Program
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Address: Charles Lundberg, Employment Training Panel, 1100 J St., 4th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814
Telephone: (916) 327-5261
First and Second Careers
A nonprofit project of the Volunteer Center of Los Angeles serving youths and adults.
- Services:
- Permanent and temporary job placement (primarily office-related opportunities, including clerical, secretarial, word processing, customer service, telemarketing and accounting)
- Resource Center including library, faxes, phones, job postings
- Computer tutorials for software
- Resume preparation
- Career counseling
- Office management and communication skills
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
- Address:
- 2550 W. Beverly Blvd., Second Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90057,(213) 380-3166
- 17200 Ventura Blvd., Suite 211, Encino, CA 91316, (818) 728-1621
Forty Plus for Executives in Transition
A nonprofit, self-help employment service for job seekers with seasoned professional, technical or executive experience.
- Services:
- Instruction in computer skills, resume preparation, interview and networking techniques
- Job listings
- Research library
- Free orientation seminar
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Address: 3350 Wilshire Bl., Suite 510, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Web site: www.40plussocal.org
Telephone: (213) 388-2301
Goodwill Industries of Southern California
Nonprofit organization helps people with barriers to employment (disabilities, social disadvantages) to reach vocational potentials. Clients may also include those with limited work skills, little or no work history, no permanent shelter, poor self-esteem and self-confidence, a history of substance abuse or incarceration.
- Services:
- Work evaluation and work adjustment training
- Occupational skill training and placement, including limited work experience. Skills training includes computer and clerical, truck and forklift, janitorial and food service.
- Job coaches
- Job club
- Career Evaluation Center offers specialized testing and vocational counseling for disabled and at-risk youth.
- Career Resource Center provides job hunting resources freeto the public, (323) 223-1211, ext. 131.
Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Address: 342 San Fernando Road, Los Angeles, CA 90031
Web site: www.lagoodwill.org
Telephone: (323) 223-1211
HR Management Services
Offers low cost job training and Internet training.
- Services:
- Intensive eleven-week training curriculum
- Business communications and customer service skills
- Latest PC applications training
- Job search techniques
- Training in motivation, positive mental attitude and self-esteem
- Individual counseling
- Post-training certification
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Telephone: (213) 368-1468
Job Starts
Nonprofit, privately funded organization assisting individuals and families in South-Central Los Angeles to achieve economic stability through work.
- Services:
- Employment readiness workshops
- Job placements, including 90-day follow-ups
Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Address: 3010 W. 48th St., Los Angeles, CA 90043
Telephone: Call (323) 291-2812 for appointment
JVS (Jewish Vocational Service)
Nonprofit, nonsectarian service organization offering job search and career counseling services. JVS has been serving the community for nearly 70 years.
- Services:
- Skills assessment, job-search, resume and interviewing workshops
- Job club support group geared to professionals and seniors
- Job listings
- Research library
- Career testing and counseling
- Job placement services for the disabled
- Career Focus: a six-session workshop for people interested in exploring a career change
- SAGE: workshop and support group for people 55 years and older
- Free employment service for the city of West Hollywood
- Entertainment Networking Group: geared to people either in or seeking to enter the entertainment industry
- Skills Plus: computer training
Hours: For more information, call 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Thur.; 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Fri.
- Locations:
- 5700 Wilshire Blvd.,Suite 200, 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90048, (323) 761-8888 Ext. 100
- 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills, CA 91307, (818) 464-3222 (closed Fridays)
Los Angeles County Workforce Investment Act Hotline
The Workforce Investment Act (formally the Job Training Partnership Act) provides a variety of employment and training programs and services designed for the economically disadvantaged, including programs for adults, youths, older workers (55 or older) and dislocated workers (those who have been laid off or are scheduled to be laid off). The Los Angeles County WIA Hotline directs eligible applicants to service providers within their areas.
- Types of Training:
- Classroom training designed to provide job-related and technical skills for specific jobs such as bank teller, accounting, clerical and health-care occupations
- On-the-job training with employers
- Work experience paying minimum wage for adults and youths at governmental or nonprofit work sites
Address: County of Los Angeles, Department of Community and Senior Services, 3175 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, CA 90020
Hotline: (213) 738-2598; (800) 204-6444
Los Angeles County One-Stop Career Centers
Offers training to adults who are long-term unemployed (15 weeks or more), economically disadvantaged, individuals on probation, out-of-school youths (18-22 years old). Also assists in finding employment after completion of training.
- Services:
- Aptitude, basic skills and interest-inventory testing
- Referrals to vocational classroom training
- Job development
- Job readiness workshops
- Job placement and retention services
- Resume writing
- Locations:
- East Los Angeles One-Stop Career Center, 215 W. Pomona Blvd., Suite 300, Monterey Park, CA 91754, (213) 887-7122
- South-Central One-Stop Career Center, 2930 W. Imperial Highway, Suite 515, Inglewood, CA 90303, (213) 779-2199
- Los Angeles Mission College One-Stop Career Center, 436 N. Maclay St., San Fernando, CA 91340, (818) 837-2236
L.A. County Regional Occupational Program
Students learn entry-level skills in a wide variety of occupational fields, including animal care, banking, nursing, food service, retail sales and electronics. Programs are offered in business, marketing, health, trade and industry, home economics, landscape and turf maintenance. For enrollment information and class schedules, contact your local high school.Visit the Web site for high school locations, telephone numbers and class schedules.
- Services:
- Classroom instruction
- Paid and unpaid, on-the-job training
- Resume writing
- Job networking techniques
- Career counseling
Cost: Free to high school students; adults are asked to pay minimal registration fees and materials fees
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri. (office hours; classes offered day and night)
Web site: www.lacorop.org
Telephone: (562) 922-6850
L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center
Endeavors to support the well-being of lesbians and gay men by providing essential services and sponsoring community activities.
- Services:
- Job postings. Call (323) 860-7378
- Free legal advice to those in need. Call (323) 993-7670
Web site: www.laglc.org
- Address:
- The Village, 1125 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood, CA 90038 (for job services, career center) (323) 860-7302
- 1625 N. Schrader Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028 (for legal services, health and mental services, and youth services) (323) 993-7400
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
A specialized institution, offering college-level career programs in trade, technical and business pursuits as well as a transfer program offering general education requirements and preparation for major requirements for transfer to four-year college institutions.
- Services:
- Career/Guidance Center
- Continuing Education and Community Services Center
- Financial Aid
- Student Employment Center
- Counseling Center
- Disabled students programs and services
- Transfer Center
- Tutoring
- Noteworthy programs:
- Accounting
- Automotive mechanics techology
- Chemical technology
- Computer information systems
- Electrical construction maintainance
- ESL
- Fashion design
- Machine shop CNC
- Morgage Finance
- Registered nursing
- Refrigeration/air conditioning mechanics
- Visual communications (graphic arts)
- PACE program offering evening and Saturday classes for full-time working adults
Cost: $11 per unit per quarter; enrollment fee waiver assistance is available
Hours: 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Mon.-Thur.; 7 a.m.-4 p.m., Fri. and Sat.
Address: 400 W. Washington Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015-4181
Web site: https://www.lattc.cc.ca.us
Telephone: (213) 744-9058
Los Angeles Urban League
Seeks to secure social and economic opportunities for African Americans and other minorities through a variety of programs, including counseling, training, placement and community development.
- Services:
- Employment Services Department assists job-ready applicants who are professional, skilled or semi-skilled and seeking employment or a career change. Applicants are served through counseling, workshops and a job bank.
- One-Stop Workforce Development Center provides career guidance and counseling, classroom training, on-the-job training and customized training to eligible applicants.
- Pasadena-Foothill branch offers career counseling and job placement.
- Pomona Valley TEC conducts specialized vocational training in electronics, machine-tool technology, word processing and data entry. Displaced workers program.
- Milken Family Literacy & Youth Training Center provides instruction in reading, writing, math and problem solving to assist youth and their families in developing skills to compete for employment.
- Automotive Training Center
- Ron Brown Business Development Center
- GROW program connects qualified job seekers with employers.
- Welfare-to-Work program provides training, job placement and support service to county residents who meet eligibility requirements.
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Headquarters address: 3450 Mount Vernon Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90008; call for addresses of other locations
Web site: www.laul.org
mosaic.com:80/cm/ul/
Telephone: (323) 299-9660
LA Works
Career center providing job training and placement services.
- Services:
- Orientation and assessment to qualify for assistance
- Career counseling
- Vocational training
- Job club
- Job placement
- Small business start-up programs
- Human resources and consulting services to businesses
- Community services ranging from home improvement and energy conservation to transportation for the elderly and physically disabled
- Access to telephones, faxes, copiers and computers
- Online information centers
Cost: Free to applicants who qualify for assistance; nominal fees for others
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Address: 5200 Irwindale Ave., Irwindale, CA 91706
Web site: https://www.laworks.org
Telephone: (626) 960-3964
Mexican American Opportunity Foundation
- Services:
- Job listings
- Computer training
- Work experience for preschool teachers' aides
- Basic skills training in reading comprehension and math
- School-to-Career program prepares youths (both in school and out) for the job market and offers vocational training customized to employers needs
- Child care, (323) 890-9616
- ESL citizenship and literacy classes
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Address: 401 N. Garfield Ave., Montebello, CA 90640
Telephone: (323) 890-9600
National Board for Certified Counselors
National certification organization making consumer referrals to nationally certified career counselors.
Service: Provides a list of certified counselors by state
Cost: Referrals are free
Address: 3 Terrace Way, Suite D, Greensboro, NC 27403
Hours: 5:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (California time), Mon.-Fri.
Telephone: (336) 547-0607; fax (336) 547-0017 (to request a list of nationally certified career counselors in your area)
Web site: www.nbcc.org
Application for certification: (800) 398-5389
One-Stop Job and Career Centers (Ventura County)
Offers training to adults who are long-term unemployed (14 weeks or more), laid-off, economically disadvantaged; older workers (55 years and older); and summer and year-round youth programs. Also assists in finding employment after completion of training.
- Services to job seekers:
- Aptitude, basic skills and interest-inventory testing
- Referrals to vocational classroom training
- Job development
- Job-readiness and job-search workshops
- Basic reading and math skills
- Job placement and retention services
- Full-service employment resource center
- Supportive services, including child care
- Services to employers:
- Matches job applicants with employers' needs
- Offers facilities to employers, including fax machines, copiers, conference room, resource library, computers with business related software
- Rapid response team assists employers facing plant closures
- Minority Business Development Center
- Human resource and personnel services (some services offered on a fee-for-service basis)
- Individual assistance
- Locations:
- Oxnard One-Stop, 635 S. Ventura Road, Oxnard, CA 93030, (805) 382-6500
- Simi Valley One-Stop, 980 Enchanted Way, Suite 105, Simi Valley, CA 93065, (805) 579-1732
Orange County One-Stop Career Centers
Offers training to adults who are long-term unemployed (14 weeks or more), laid off, economically disadvantaged; older workers (55 years and older); out-of-school youths (18-22 years old). Also assists in finding employment after completion of training.
- Services:
- Aptitude, basic skills and interest-inventory testing
- Referrals to vocational classroom training
- Job development
- Job readiness workshops
- Basic reading and math skills
- Job placement and retention services
- Locations:
- Anaheim: 50 S. Anaheim Blvd., Suite 300, Anaheim, CA 92805, (714) 765-4350
- Coastal: 1675 Scenic Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626, (714) 241-4900
- County: 1300 S. Grand Ave., Building B, Third Floor, Santa Ana, CA 92705, (714) 567-7542
- West Orange County Regional One-Stop: 11277 Garden Grove Blvd., Suite 101C, Garden Grove, CA 92843, (714) 741-5020
- North Orange County Regional One-Stop: 1811 W. La Habra Blvd., La Habra, CA 90631, (562) 905-7076
- South Orange County Regional One-Stop: 23456 Madero St., Suite 150, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, (949) 588-3906
- Santa Ana: 1000 E. Santa Ana Blvd., Suite 200, Santa Ana, CA 92701, (714) 565-2600
Pasadena Senior Center
Employment services program for people 50 and older.
- Services:
- Job search assistance and referrals
- Workshops
- Assistance in defining employment objectives and goals
- Reference materials
- Federal program offering job placement for low- and no-income people 55 and older open to qualified applicants
- Center for successful retirement
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Address: 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena, CA 91103
Telephone: (626) 795-4331. Call for appointment before first visit.
Portals Mental Health Rehabilitation Services
Employment services and vocational training for adults with psychiatric disabilities.
- Services:
- Job training and placement
- Resume writing and interview skills training
- Job coaching, follow-up services and vocational pre-employment training.
- Locations:
- Mariposa Clubhouse, 269 S. Mariposa Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90004, (213) 381-8400
- Community Connections Clubhouse, 3881 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90062, (213) 381-8439
Santa Monica Jobs Assistance
- Programs:
- Santa Monica High School Regional Occupation Program offers high school students and adults job-skills training. (310) 395-3204 Ext. 457
- Santa Monica Board of Education Workability Program for high school students with special needs. (310) 450-8338
- Virginia Avenue Park Jobs Program offers employment workshops and job counseling for youths and adults; services are for residents of Santa Monica only. (310) 458-8688
- Chrysalis Santa Monica assists homeless or low-income people to prepare for and find jobs. (310) 392-4117
SCORE
The Service Corps of Retired Executives is a nonprofit organization sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Volunteers share their business experience with people who plan to go into business and those already in business who need advice.
- Services:
- Counseling in areas such as business planning, advertising, accounting, inventory control, cash and credit management, marketing, financial and licensing requirements
- Several all-day workshops on such topics as starting and operating a new business, getting financing and advertising for your business
- Monthly seminars on various topics
- Monthly calendar of workshops and seminars mailed upon request
- Call for locations of counseling centers in Southern California:
- Los Angeles County: (818) 552-3206
- Orange County, (714) 550-7369
- San Diego and Imperial counties, (619) 557-7272
- San Bernardino, (909) 885-7515
- Riverside, (909) 683-7100
- Business Information Center, (213) 251-7253
Southern California Indian Center
Nonprofit organization serving the American Indian community of Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties. As a Workforce Investment Act agency, it provides employment assistance and vocational training to American Indians, native Alaskans and native Hawaiians who are unemployed, underemployed or economically disadvantaged.
- Services:
- Yearly job fairs
- Career development
- Resume and job application preparation
- Job search techniques
- Job listings and referrals
- Classroom vocational training
- On-the-job training
Hours: 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Locations: Garden Grove, Commerce, Los Angeles and Riverside
Web site: www.indiancenter.org
- Telephone:
- Los Angeles County: (213) 387-5772
- Orange County: (714) 663-1102
Southern California Regional Occupational Center
SCROC offers programs that support the transition from school to career and continuing education. Programs also provide opportunities to receive advanced career training or to upgrade technical job skills.
- Services:
- Classroom instruction in 70 different classes in six career clusters: agricultural; arts, media; business; consumer and family services; health sciences; industry and technology
- Some classes offer career-related internships in local business and industry.
- Self-service job listings board
- Counseling available to high-school and adult students
- Career information
- Career interest and aptitude assessments
- Certificates of proficiency and achievement may be earned
Cost: Classes are free to high-school students; adults pay a minimum fee.
Hours for classes: 7 a.m.-10 p.m., Mon.-Thur.; Fri., 7 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 7 a.m.-1 p.m.
Address: 2300 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance, CA 90501
Web site: www.scroc.com
Telephone: (310) 224-4200
TTI (The Training Institute)
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National organization dedicated for more than 20 years to putting people to work.
- Services:
- Re-employment workshops
- Motivational seminars
- Career counseling
- Vocational assessment
- Computerized tutorials
- Job placement
- Resume preparation and job interview skills
- Free telephone, fax and copier access for job searches
- Referrals to training
- Welfare to Work program
- non-custodial parents program
Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.; 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Tue.-Fri.
- Locations:
- 14546 Hamlin St., Third Floor, Van Nuys, CA 91411, (818) 781-2522
- 21515 Vanowen St., #116, Canoga Park, CA 91303, (818) 884-2522
UAW-Labor Employment Training Corp.
A private, nonprofit corporation that provides human resource services to employers, employees and others.
- Services:
- Job search and placement
- Classroom training in basic skills and office automation/word processing
- On-the-job training
- Human resource management, development and support
- Customized training
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Address: 790 E. Willow St., Suite 150, Long Beach, CA 90806 (corporate office), 12 field offices in Southern California
Telephone: (562) 989-7700
UCI Extension Women's Opportunities Center
Career development center. Open to men and women in the community.
- Services:
- One-on-one career counseling
- Workshops
- Resume counseling
- Weekly job-search support groups run by Orange County executives
- Career-education resource library
- Job listings
- Discounts to specified UCI Extension courses
- Career and vocational aptitude testing
- Job-search Internet access
Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Mon.-Wed..; 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Thur. and Fri.; 9 a.m.-noon, Sat.
Address: The center is at the UCI Extension complex on the UC Irvine campus.
Web site:
https://www.unex.uci.
edu/woc
Telephone: (949) 824-7128
UCLA Extension
UCLA Extension offers more than 4,000 courses, workshops, conferences and on-line classes for professional and academic advancement and personal growth each year.
- Topics include:
- Business and management
- Computers and information systems
- Entertainment studies and performing arts
- Graphic design
- Hospitality and food service
- Architecture, interior design and landscape architecture
- International business
- Journalism, public relations and fund-raising
- Legal interpretation and translation
- Personal financial planning
- Writing
- Arts
- Education
- Fitness instruction
- Humanities and social sciences
- Outdoor recreation
- Foreign languages
- English as a second language
- Attorney assistant training
- Health sciences and psychology
- Science and mathematics
- Legal programs
- Engineering
- Offerings in emerging technologies:
- Client-server networks and object-oriented programming
- Computer graphics, emphasizing interactive, multimedia design
- E-commerce
- Writing for interactive media
- Entertainment studies courses in multimedia and digital technologies
- Online course
- Locations:
- UCLA Extension, 10995 Le Conte Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90024 (main location)
- Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica
- Universal CityWalk, Universal City
- World Trade Center, downtown Los Angeles
https://www.uclaextension.orgTelephone: (310) 825-9971 or (818) 784-7006 (for enrollment and catalog requests)
Venice/Oakwood Jobs Programs
- Programs:
- The Job Bank, a Santa Monica/Venice-based employment service, offering workshops on resume writing and job search techniques, skills training opportunities, monthly bulletin for employers listing jobs for local workers. (310) 822-8687
- St. Joseph Center Restaurant Training Program. Regular classes in food service, with certification and jobs placement assistance. (310) 450-9095
- Venice Community Housing Corp. develops affordable housing and offers construction jobs training program for at-risk youth. 720 Rose Ave., Venice, CA 90291, (310) 399-4100
- Venice Skills Center offers job-training and job-placement assistance. Contact Cynthia Moore at (310) 392-4153, Ext. 108. Fees range from free to $35, plus nominal material fees.
Verdugo Jobs Center
Government-funded, one-stop employment center providing resources to job seekers and employers to bring the two together.
- Services:
- Job postings
- Job-search assistance
- Computer with Internet access
- Newsletter with client advertising
- Job-search workshops
- Fax, photocopier and telephones availble for job search
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Mon.-Fri.
Address: 1255 S. Central Ave., Glendale, CA 91204
Telephone: (818) 409-0477
Women at Work
Nonprofit job and career center focusing on concerns of women, but men are welcome. Clients range from entry level to professional.
- Services:
- Drop-in resource room featuring a library and job listings
- Counseling, testing and resume writing
- Specially funded programs for single parents, displaced homemakers and other low-income groups
- Program for Latina professionals with limited English
- Day and evening workshops on career planning, resume writing, interview techniques, networking and job hunting after age 50
- MS Office computer classes and computer lab
- Free Internet access and class
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon., Tue. and Thur.; 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Wed.
Address: 50 N. Hill Ave., Suite 300, Pasadena, CA 91106
Web site: www.womenatwork1.org
Telephone: (626) 796-6870
Women Helping Women Services
A nonsectarian community service agency sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women, Los Angeles.
- Services:
- Talkline (telephone counseling service; spring and fall training to become a volunteer counselor)
- Community referrals for networking and education
- Job postings
- Low-fee psychological counseling for job seekers
- Psychological support groups
- Relationships and self-esteem program
- How to Get What You Want assertiveness workshop
- Women in Transition support group
Hours: Talkline, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m., Mon.-Thur. and 6-8 p.m., Tues.-Thur.; 24-hour voicemail
Address: NCJW/LA, 543 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Telephone: (323) 655-3807 or toll-free (877) 655-3807
About these listings
For corrections and changes to these listings: E-mail Johnny Rodriquez ; or mail to Resource Guide, c/o J. Blumhoff/J. Rodriquez, Business Section, L.A. Times, 202 West First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. To make general suggestions about this guide: E-mail Stephen Lacy; or mail to Stephen Lacy, latimes.com, 202 West First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.Sign up for The Wild
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