THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA JOB MARKET: WHERE THE JOBS ARE : Resource Guide : Where to Find Tips, Testing and Training

Aware Advisory Services: vocational and educational counseling; not a placement service Cost: $5 donation per visit which may be waived for the unemployed; $15 fee for Strong Interest Inventory testing (includes counseling) Hours: Mon. and Wed., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Address: Santa Monica YWCA, 2019 14th St., Santa Monica Telephone: (310) 452-3833 California Council for Veteran’s Affairs Services: * employment assistance * job listings * computer matching of applicant qualifications to employer needs * educational resource library * women’s shelter (veterans and non-veterans eligible) Eligibility: must be a veteran Cost: free Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; counseling 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Address: 3943 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles Telephone: (213) 299-6330 California Registry of Professional Counselors Service: referrals to career counselors Cost: referrals, free; counseling services, variable fees Address: 2555 E. Chapman Ave., Suite 201, Fullerton Telephone: (714) 871-6460 California Small Business Development Center Program The program aims to create jobs and help 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 the international marketplace * technology transfer assistance * economic and business data * access to federal, state and local programs * permit and licensing assistance Cost: Consultations are free and confidential. Locations in Southern California: * Eastern Los Angeles County SBDC (Pomona): (909) 629-2247 * Export SBDC of Southern California (Los Angeles): (213) 892-1111 * Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce SBDC (La Jolla): (619) 453-9388 * Inland Empire SBDC (Riverside): (909) 781-2345 * Northern Los Angeles SBDC (Van Nuys): (818) 373-7092 * Orange County SBDC (Santa Ana): (714) 647-1172 * Southwestern College Small Business Development and International Trade Center (Chula Vista): (619) 482-6391 * Southwest Los Angeles County SBDC (Torrance): (310) 787-6466 * Accelerate Technology SBDC, Graduate School of Management, Suite 230, UC Irvine (714) 856-8366 Career Encores Referral service for those 50 and older. seeking information on a wide variety of services, including job training, job opening listings and job search assistance. Serves only Los Angeles County, networking with 50 other agencies countywide. Services: * information on job training * job listings, also open to employers with jobs to fill * job search assistance Job clubs: * Burbank: 2100 Magnolia Blvd. * Culver Cty: 3710 S. Robertson Blvd. * Harbor City: 24404 S. Vermont. Orientation Fridays, 10 a.m. - call before visit. Information: Outside L.A. County, employment information for older people is listed under Area Agency on Aging in county government sections of local telephone directories. Cost: free to job seekers and employers Hotline hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Telephone hotline for all sites: (213) 939-0391 Career Planning Center Private, non-profit community based organization. Services: * job resource center featuring reference library and job listings * skills assessment, counseling, resume critiquing and job search skills workshop by appointment * psychotherapy related to job loss * outplacement services to employers, including on-sight workshops * JTPA funded on-the-job training for eligible applicants Costs: job resource center library and job listings, free; skills assessment, including counseling, $175; counseling, $65 per hour; resume critiquing, $45; psychotherapy, sliding scale Hours: Mon. and Wed., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Tue., 9 a.m.-noon Address: 1623 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles Telephone: (310) 273-6633 Coalition for Women’s Economic Development Non-profit organization assisting low-income persons achieve self-sufficiency through self-employment. Services: * entrepreneurial training * technical assistance * loans to low-income men and women to start or expand micro-businesses * all services are offered in English and Spanish at five locations throughout Los Angeles County Cost: free monthly orientations; workshops $15 and $40 Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Telephone for time and location of orientation meetings: (213) 489-1202 Employment Development Department State agency offering a wide variety of services to job seekers and employers. Services: * Job Match, a statewide computer network matching job applicants and job openings * job search training workshops * Experience Unlimited job clubs geared to professional, managerial and technical workers seeking jobs * referrals to training or educational facilities and social service agencies * unemployment and disability insurance Cost: free Telephone: Look for nearest EDD Job Service office, listed under “California, State of “ in the government listings section at the beginning of the telephone directory white pages. EMPLOY Network A computerized network of over 50 non-profit agencies that assists employers in filling job openings. Agencies forming the employment coalition assist job applicants with a variety of special needs. Services to employers: * matching pre-screened applicants with job openings * educational workshops on disabilities and the Americans with Disabilities Act * technical assistance on accommodations and adaptations * information on tax credits available to employers hiring people with special needs * assiatance on meeting affirmative action goals Cost: free Telephone: (800) 244-1JOB Forty Plus A non-profit, self-help employment service for people over forty with professional, technical or executive experience. Services: * instruction in computer skills, resume preparation, interview and networking techniques * job listings * research library * free seminars * biweekly meetings Cost: entrance fee, monthly dues and charges for computer time and telephone service Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Address: 3450 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 510, Los Angeles Telephone: (213) 388-2301 Other locations: * 23172 Plaza Pointe Drive, Suite 285, Laguna Hills, (714) 581-7990 * 8845 University Center Lane, San Diego, (619) 450-4440 Gender Equity Program New Horizons The Gender Equity/New Horizons Program at Pierce College assists and advises single parents, homemakers, students returning to school after a prolonged absence and students entering a field dominated by the opposite sex. Services: * career exploration, planning and job seeking classes, including a class on aspects of esteem * speaker bureau * workshop/conferences * counseling and support groups * referrals: financial aid, child care, tutorial center, job placement New classes begin March 15--day and evening classes available Cost: One unit classes are $10; counseling services are free to students Office Hours: Mon.-Thur., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; evenings and Friday by appointment Hours: Bungalow 0371, Pierce College, 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills Telephone: (818) 719-6453 Jewish Vocational Service Non-profit, non-sectarian service organization. Services: * motivational, job search, interview and resume workshops * job club support group geared to professionals * job listings * research library * one-on-one career counseling * special job placement services for the disabled * immigrant employment program (for residents of West Hollywood who have been in the U.S. for less than 10 years) * Career Focus, a five-session workshop for those interested in exploring a career change Thusday 6-8:30 p.m. * Seminar on “Keys to Launching a Successful Business,” March 21, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Room A. Call for reservation. Cost: registration fee, $50; counseling per session, $60 or less; Career Focus workshop, $100; seminar, $25 Hours: For more information, call Mon.-Thur., 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. and Fri., 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Locations: * 6505 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 303, Los Angeles, (213) 655-8910 * 22622 Vanowen St., West Hills, (818) 587-3222 (closed Fridays) * University Synagogue, 11960 Sunset Blvd., Room 115, 310-472-6895 (Tue. and Thur. only) * 22410 Palos Verdes Blvd., Torrance, 310-540-8589 (Tue. and Thur. only) Job Starts Non-profit 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 Cost: free Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Address: 3010 W. 48th St., Los Angeles Call for appointment: (213) 291-2812 National Board for Certified Counselors Service: national certification organization making consumer referrals to career counselors Cost: referrals, free Address: 3-D Terrace Way, Greensboro, North Carolina, 27403 Telephone: (919) 547-0607 Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment Services: * Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) programs providing free job training to low-income residents of Los Angeles County * county refugee program offering vocational training in electronic assembly, placement, on-the-job training and English as a Second Language program * youth program for persons aged 16-21 years offering on-the-job training and work experience; must meet JTPA income and residency requirements Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Address: 2525 W. 8th Street, Los Angeles Telephone: (213) 389-2373 Pasadena Senior Center Employment services program for those 50 and older. Services: * referrals to job openings * referrals to other employment programs * assistance in defining employment objectives and goals * reference materials Cost: $5 donation requested for employment services Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. for job listings; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. for interviews Address: 85 East Holly St., Pasadena Telephone: (818) 795-4331. Call for appointment prior to first visit. Private Industry Councils’ Job Training Programs The Job Training Partnership (JTPA) of 1982 provides federal funding for locally managed employment and training programs. Private Industry Councils (PICs) within 52 service areas in California plan job training and employment programs to meet the needs of their local labor market. Services: * educational, vocational and on-the-job training * job search skills and placement * dislocated workers program * older workers program (aged 55 and older) * summer youth program Eligibility: Applicants may qualify for one or more reasons, including a layoff, long-term unemployment or income below poverty levels. Benefits to employers: pre-screened and trained applicants; initial wage reimbursement and/or tax credits Cost: For qualified applicants, training and placement services are free. Services provided to employers are also free. Telephone: 1-800-FOR-A-JOB. Applicants will be referred to appropriate service area office based on their zip codes. Employers may call the same number for information about hiring trainees. Second Careers The Second Careers Program is a nonprofit project of the Volunteer Center of Los Angeles largely serving persons aged 50 and older. Services: * job placement--primarily office-related opportunities, including clerical, managerial, professional and technical * computer instruction and lab * resource library * retirement planning Cost: free to job seekers; modest fees for employers; computer lab $9 per session Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; computer lab 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Address: 3923 W. Sixth Street, Suite 216 Telephone: (213) 380-3166 Small Business Incubators Small business incubators offer small businesses the opportunity to lease adaptable space at a reduced rates. The objective of most small business incubators is to encourage the establishment of small businesses and to increase their chances of success. Services vary among incubators but may include: * shared equipment and services among tenants, such as secretarial and clerical support, fax machines, copiers, data and word processing, building maintenance and security * information about financial and technical assistance * co-op advertising and group buying * workshops on a variety of subjects of interest to the entrepreneur Cost: variable depending largely on rent Locations: * CIDCO Business Incubator, P.O. Box 2343, El Centro, CA 92244 (619) 355-1025 * Entrepreneur Development Academy, Lynwood Manufacturing Center, 2555 Industry Way, Lynwood, (213) 249-4980 * Lancaster Economic Development Corp., 104 East Avenue K-4, Suite A, Lancaster, (805) 945-2741 * Pasadena Enterprise Center & Development Corp., 1015 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, (818) 398-9974 * Pomona Economic Development Corp., P.O. Box 1073, Pomona, CA 91769, (909) 623-1946 * San Diego Business Innovation Center, 3350 Market St., San Diego, (619) 685-2949 * Santa Ana Business Enterprise Center, 901 E. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, (714) 647-1134 * Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corp., 5918 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 753-2335 TAPS The Training Applicants for Placement Success program is designed to assist residents of Los Angeles and Orange counties with epilepsy and seizure disorders in their search for employment. Services: * vocational counseling * career exploration workshop * job-seeking skills training * job club * job postings * resource center * resume assistance * answering service * assistance to employers in filling job openings * services available in English and Spanish Cost: free to employers and job seekers Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; 24-hour voice mail Address: 3600 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 920, Los Angeles Telephone: (213) 382-3674 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 group * career/education resource library * job listings * discounts to specified UCI Extension courses * career/vocational aptitude testing Cost: $35 annual membership fee; additional fees for workshops Hours: Mon.-Thur., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-noon. Address: The center is located at the UCI Extension complex on the University of California, Irvine campus. Telephone: (714) 856-7128 UCLA Extension Career Programs UCLA Extension offers more than 85 certificate programs that may lead to employment opportunities. Topics include: * business and management * computers and information systems * film and television * health sciences * journalism * landscape architecture * public relations Open houses/introductory programs include: * Career Opportunities in the Hazardous Waste Management Field, March 6, $75 * Computer Graphics and Graphic Design Open House, March 14 Emerging Career Options in Southern California, March 27, $75 * Career Exploration Seminar, features networking skills and vocational and self-assessment tests Tuesdays, April 13-May 25, $385 New Career Directions for Mid-life Adults, April 24-25, $145 individual, $230 couples Cost: variable Address: 10995 LeConte Ave., Los Angeles, UCLA Extension Building, Room 613 Telephone: 310-825-9971 or 818-784-7006 Victory Urban Partnership Non-profit organizatiion providing assistance to members of the local community, including but not limited to, the homeless, gang members and ex-offenders. Services: * job skills development * job creation through micro-businesses * job referrals Cost: free Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Address: 333 W. 22nd St., Los Angeles Telephone: (213) 746-9852 Women at Work Non-profit organization focusing on career concerns of women, but men are welcome. 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 Hispanic professional women with limited English * evening workshops on career planning, resume writing, interview techniques, networking and 50+ job hunting * information dissemination and counseling on non-traditional job opportunities for women (trade and tech) Costs: drop-in resource room, free; counseling and resume writing, $50; occupational testing, including counseling, $90; evening workshops, free-$20 Hours: Mon., Tues. and Thurs., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Wed., 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Address: 78 N. Marengo Ave., Pasadena Telephone: (818) 796-6870 Work Net Services Non-profit career development and job placement service. Services: * job preparation seminars * one-on-one sessions with career developers * assistance in survival job placements and career development with the goal of long-term employment stability Cost: free to job seekers and employers Hours: Mon.-Thur., 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.; Fri., 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Address: 1242 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite A, Pasadena Telephone: (818) 793-5627