Women Sought for Jobs Program

The Job Training Policy Council of Ventura County is seeking up to 38 women for an intensive training program in jobs that women have not traditionally held.

Although any woman may apply, 75% of those selected must have a barrier of some sort--such as being on welfare, having a physical or mental disability or a history of alcohol abuse--for the program to meet federal guidelines.

The county jobs agency will recruit and screen the women. DS Rehabilitation Consultants, a firm that has specialized in rehabilitating injured workers, will then provide the training, workshops and follow-up support, said John Sullivan of the training firm.

“Whatever were the issues for these women, they are somewhat by themselves, somewhat isolated,” Sullivan said. “We want to pull them back in, give them a sense of support, help them network and come back into the mainstream.”

The on-job training program emphasizes placing women in non-traditional jobs such as welding, house painting and cabinetmaking.

Employers who hire the women also receive reimbursement up to half the new employees’ salary during the six months of training, Sullivan added.

Employers and women interested in applying can call DS Rehabilitation Associates at 656-8483, or the JTPC at 981-8779.