WATTS : Students to Train for Jobs in Electronics

Pioneer Electronics Inc. has started an electronics training program at the Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center.

The Long Beach-based company has invested $500,000 in the four-year pilot program, which will train 60 local high school juniors and seniors to repair electronics equipment such as televisions, radios, VCRs and compact disc players, said Pioneer spokeswoman Cheryl Gordon.

Beginning in their junior year, students attend three-hour classes after school. The classes are designed to prepare the students for entry-level jobs in the electronics field, Gordon said.

To enroll in the program, students must have at least a 2.0 grade-point average and pass an entrance exam. Participating high schools include South Gate, Manual Arts, Locke, Jordan, Jefferson, Washington, Fremont and Huntington Park.

The Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center is at 10925 S. Central Ave. Information: (213) 564-1431.