REGION : Putting Students on ‘Fast Track’ to Work

Before Robert Gomez started “Fast Track L.A.,” an intensive eight-week technical skills training program in Huntington Park, he didn’t believe he had a chance at getting a job that paid more than minimum wage.

“I’m more confident now. I can compete,” the 19-year-old said between final examinations last week at the Southeast branch of East Los Angeles College, where Fast Track is run.

Like Gomez, 12 other students ages 18 to 23 from area cities finished the free government-funded program Saturday, which is designed to prepare students to enter the work force.

The bulk of the instruction consisted of word processing and other basic computer functions as well as written and oral communication.

Applications are being accepted for the second training program, which runs from May 1 to June 24. Applicants must have an equivalent of a high school diploma.

“Our task is to work with them until they get a job or get into a college,” said program director Barry Stern.

Most jobs being sought are in electronics, engineering and manufacturing, he said.

Stern said he hopes some students can work on the Alameda Corridor, an $1.8-billion project to improve rail access between Downtown Los Angeles and Los Angeles harbor.

Graduates with above-average scores are guaranteed jobs with wages of at least $7 an hour; minimum wage is $4.25.

Information: (213) 589-5141.