Career Resource Guide
Apprenticeship Preparation Classes
Sponsored by the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Services:
* Prepare trainees to meet apprenticeship entry requirements in a variety of trades, including surveying, sheet metal, plumbing/steam fitting, painting/drywall, electrical, sprinkler fitting, carpentry, refrigeration/air conditioning.
* Information on selection processes of various unions.
* Instruction and review in math and reading.
* Focus on minorities and women, but open to all qualified applicants.
Eligibility:
* 18 years or older
* High-school graduate or GED certificate (desirable)
* Valid California driver’s license
* Be able to provide own transportation
Enrollment: Program features open enrollment and operates on a year-round basis, with new classes forming every 10 weeks.
Cost: $5 registration fee
Hours: Classes offered 8 a.m.-1 p.m. or 1-6 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Address:
* African-American Unity Center, 944 W. 53rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90037, (213) 789-5656
* East Los Angeles Skills Center, 3921 Selig Place, Los Angeles, CA 90031, (213) 227-0018
* Maxine Waters Employment Preparation Center, 10925 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90059, (213) 564-1431
Aware Advisory
Services: Vocational and educational counseling; not a placement service
Cost: $5 donation per visit (may be waived for the unemployed); $20 fee for Strong Interest Inventory testing (includes counseling)
Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon. and Wed.
Address: Santa Monica YWCA, 2019 14th St., Santa Monica
Telephone: (310) 452-3833
Brady JobNet
Serves primarily lower-income individuals and families on Los Angeles’ Eastside, but all people welcome.
Services:
* Three-day employment readiness seminar in English and Spanish
* Job-search mentoring
* Help with resumes
* Interview practice
* Placement and follow-ups
* Referrals to employers
* Job club
Cost: Free to participants and employers; $3 charge for seminar materials
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Thur.
Address: 717 S. Brady Ave., Los Angeles
Telephone: (213) 722-4495
Braille Institute
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
Costs: Free to legally blind clients
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Address: 741 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles
Telephone: (213) 663-1111
Business Ownership Service System
Entrepreneur training program offered by Rancho Santiago College to laid-off or soon-to-be laid-off workers. The 10-week program provides technical assistance, business ownership training, marketing guidance and help in business plan creation.
Qualifications:
* Candidates must be laid-off workers
* High school graduate with reading skills at eighth-grade level or above
* Idea for a small business
Cost: Free
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Telephone: (714) 564-5207 for appointment and reservation.
California Business Incubation Network
Nonprofit statewide association advocates fostering the development of new business in California. Business incubators provide entrepreneurial 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
Cost: Free for information packet; membership fees: $100 individual, $250 nonprofit and $500 corporate
Address: 350 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles
Telephone: Sheila Washington at (619) 237-0559; (800) 427-4710 (California only)
Facility-based incubators in Southern California:
* Border Environmental Business Cluster, 477 Marina Parkway, Building 52, Chula Vista, (619) 498-4960
* Business Innovation Center, 3350 Market St., San Diego, (619) 685-2949
* Business and Industry Services Center, 901 E. Santa Ana Blvd., Santa Ana, (714) 564-5202
* CalStart, 3601 Empire Blvd., Burbank, (818) 565-5600
* CHARO Enterprise Innovation Center, 3951 E. Medford St., Los Angeles, (213) 269-0751
* EC Square Annenberg Incubator Project, 746 W. Adams Blvd., Los Angeles, (213) 743-2344
* Inland Empire Business Incubator, 155 S. Memorial Drive, Suite B, San Bernardino, (909) 382-0065
* Lancaster Economic Development Corp., 104 E. Avenue K-4, Suite A, Lancaster, (805) 945-2741
* Lynwood Entrepreneur Development Academy, 2555 Industry Way, Suites C and D, Lynwood, (310) 632-8197
* Pasadena Enterprise Center, 1015 N. Lake Ave., Suite 100, Pasadena, (818) 398-9974
* RBTIC (Ridgecrest Business Technology Incubator Center), 139 N. Balsam St., Ridgecrest, (619) 384-1118
* San Diego Technology Incubator, San Diego City College, 1313 12th Ave., San Diego, (619) 230-2081
* Thousand Oaks Environmental Business Cluster, 241 Lombard St., Suite 1, Thousand Oaks, (805) 446-6410
* Vermont-Slauson Business Enterprise Center, 6109 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 694-0026
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.
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
California Council for Veterans 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: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; counseling by appointment only, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Address: 8652 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles
Telephone: (213) 750-9967
California Registry of Professional Counselors
Service: Referrals to career counselors
Cost: Referrals are free; variable fees for counseling
Address: 2555 E. Chapman Ave., Suite 201, Fullerton
Telephone: (714) 284-8857
California Small Business Development Center
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
Cost: Consultations are free (and confidential), but an appointment is required
In Southern California:
* Eastern Los Angeles County SBDC, Pomona, (909) 629-2247
* Export SBDC of Southern California, Los Angeles, (213) 892-1111
* Export SBDC El Monte/South El Monte Outreach Center, El Monte, (818) 459-4111
* Greater San Diego Chamber of Commerce SBDC, La Jolla, (619) 453-9388
* Inland Empire SBDC, Riverside, (909) 781-2345
* North County 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
* Westside SBDC, Santa Monica, (310) 398-8883
* Accelerate Technology SBDC, Irvine, (714) 509-2990
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
Job clubs:
* Burbank: 2100 Magnolia Blvd.
* Los Angeles: 3700 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 200
Orientation at 10 a.m. Fridays. Call before visit.
Cost: Free to eligible applicants and employers
Hotline hours: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Telephone hotlines:
* Los Angeles county only: (800) 833-6267
* Outside Los Angeles county: (213) 427-6600
Career Planning Center
Private nonprofit community-based organization.
Services:
* Job resource center with reference library and job listings
* Skills assessment, counseling, resume critiquing and teaching of job-search skills, by appointment
* Outplacement services to employers, including on-site workshops
* On-the-job training, funded by the federal Job Training Partnership Act, for eligible applicants
Costs: Use of job resource center, library and job listings is free; fees for skills assessment, career counseling and resume critiquing vary
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Thur.; 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Fri.
Address: 1623 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles
Telephone: (310) 273-6633 for appointment
Chicana Service
Action Center
JTPA-funded job training and placement services for low-income people. Men and women of all nationalities may apply.
Services:
* Job training and placement
* Job-Links program offering training to become electrician, plumber, steam fitter, sheet metal or carpet worker. The 10-week program offers on-the-job training paying $4.25 per hour beginning with the third week of the program.
* GED classes
* Transportation
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 of men only 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
Cost: Free to qualified applicants
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Address: 134 E. First St., Los Angeles
Telephone: (213) 253-5959
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
Telephone: (213) 847-9240
Jobs hotline: (213) 847-9424. Call for 24-hour recorded message listing current openings.
City of Los Angeles Personnel Department, Police & 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, 7 p.m. Tuesdays
* North Hollywood Police Station, 7 p.m. Wednesdays
* Personnel Building, 7 p.m. Thursdays
* Recruit Training Center, 8 a.m. Saturdays
People interested in becoming a firefighter should call (213) 847-LAFD to apply for a firefighter notification card.
Cost: Free
Hours: 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. (telephone and walk-in)
Address: 700 E. Temple St., Room 150, Los Angeles
Telephone: Police: (213) 847-LAPD; Fire: (213) 847-LAFD
Comprehensive Jobs
Assistance Centers (CJACs)
A one-stop career center sponsored by the city of Los Angeles Private Industry Council. CJACs assist dislocated workers (plant closures, layoffs and long-term unemployed) with job search, training and placement.
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
* Retraining opportunities, such as classroom, on-the-job and customized training
* Job resource centers, including job listings, telephones, faxes, copiers, computers and laser printers
* WorkLink computer network matching employers and job opportunities to job seekers
Locations:
* Crenshaw/South-Central, 3500 S. Figueroa St., Suite 201, Los Angeles, (213) 743-3950
* East Los Angeles/Central City, 3951 E. Medford St., Los Angeles, (213) 268-1100
* Mid-Wilshire/West Los Angeles, 1541 Wilshire Blvd, Suite 407, Los Angeles, (213) 353-1677
* Northwest San Fernando Valley, 14515 Hamlin St., Van Nuys, (818) 781-2522
* Northeast San Fernando Valley, 2600 W. Victory Blvd., Burbank, (818) 972-2695
Cost: Free to people who qualify
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
East Los Angeles Skills Center
Offers academic, vocational, business and industrial classes, and GED program. Classes are accredited by the Western Assn. of Schools and Colleges.
Services:
* A wide range of classes are offered, including, but not limited to, computer software applications, medical secretary, electronics testing, cable television installation, construction inspection, bookkeeping, telephone maintenance and banking careers
* Aptitude assessment tests
* Job postings
* Classes in resume writing and interview techniques
* ESL classes
* Job development counseling matching skills and job openings
* Employers may test and interview prospective job applicants on site
Cost: $10-$55 depending on program or service
Hours: Class and office hours, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Address: 3921 Selig Place, East Los Angeles
Telephone: (213) 227-0018
Employment Development Department
State agency offering a variety of services to job seekers and employers.
Services:
* Job Match, a statewide computer network matching applicants and openings
* Job-search training 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
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.
Employment Service Centers
Assists adults who are long-term unemployed (14 weeks or more), laid-off, economically disadvantaged or receiving public assistance to find employment.
Services:
* Aptitude, basic skills and interest-inventory testing
* Referrals to vocational classroom training
* Job development
* Job readiness workshops
Costs: Free to qualified applicants
Locations:
* East Los Angeles Client Service Center, 215 W. Pomona Blvd., Suite 300, Monterey Park, (213) 887-7122
* South-Central Client Service Center, 2930 W. Imperial Highway, Suite 515, Inglewood, (213) 779-2199
Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Employment Training Panel
A state agency assisting California businesses in obtaining skilled workers needed to stay competitive, productive and profitable. 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
* Office automation
* Production techniques
* Computer-assisted design
* Computer-assisted manufacturing
* Entrepreneurial training
Reimbursement of training costs to employers are negotiated before training.
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
EMPLOY Network
A coalition of agencies that assists job applicants with a variety of disabilities and special needs. The network maintains a computerized bulletin board of job listings for qualified applicants; employers are invited to use the bulletin board to fill job openings.
Services to employers:
* Matching pre-screened applicants with job openings
* Information on tax credits available to employers hiring people with special needs
* Assistance on meeting affirmative action goals
Cost: Free
Telephone: (310) 258-4025; (800) 244-1JOB
Forty Plus
A nonprofit, self-help employment service for people over 40 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: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Address: 3450 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 510, Los Angeles
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 on-the-job training. 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.
Eligibility: Applicants must meet certain requirements for some programs
Costs: Free
Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Address: 342 San Fernando Road, Los Angeles
Telephone: (213) 223-1211
Jewish Vocational Service
Nonprofit, nonsectarian service organization.
Services:
* Motivational, job search, interview and resume workshops
* Job club support group geared to professionals
* Job listings
* Research library
* Career testing and counseling
* Job placement services for the disabled
* Career Transitions, career management services to corporations and employees
* Career Focus, a five-session workshop for people interested in exploring a career change on Mondays, 6-8 p.m.
* Second Wind, 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
Cost: $45 registration fee; counseling per session, $65 per session plus materials fee (sliding scale available); Career Focus workshop, $150
Hours: For more information, call 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Thur.; 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Fri.
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, Los Angeles, (213) 655-8910 (Thursdays only 9-11 a.m.)
Jobs for Progress
A JTPA-funded employment and training agency.
Services:
* Job training in clerical and general office occupations
* Job preparation, placement and counseling
* Aptitude and interest assessment
* WordPerfect 6.0 training
* Computer-assisted instruction in basic English and math
* Support services including transportation and child-care allowances
* Dislocated worker program for laid-off workers
* On-the-job training (West Covina location only)
Cost: Free
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri. (training hours); 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Fri. (office hours)
Locations:
* 5161 E. Pomona Blvd., Suite 105, Los Angeles, (213) 881-0588
* 1323 West Covina Parkway, Suite E, West Covina, (818) 960-0806
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
* Jobs Fair Aug. 22 in South-Central Los Angeles
Cost: Free
Hours: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Address: 3010 W. 48th St., Los Angeles
Telephone: Call (213) 291-2812 for appointment
JTPA Service Delivery Areas
Job Training Partnership Act service delivery areas provide 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). SDAs direct 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
Locations:
* Carson-Lomita-Torrance SDA, 1 Civic Plaza, Suite 500, Carson, (310) 781-7100
* City of Long Beach SDA, 200 Pine Ave., 4th Floor, Long Beach, (310) 570-3865
* City of Los Angeles SDA, Community Development Dept., 215 W. Sixth St., 10th Floor, Los Angeles, (213) 485-6520
* County of Los Angeles, Dept. of Community and Senior Citizens, 3175 W. 6th St., Los Angeles, (213) 738-2600
* Foothill Consortium, 234 E. Colorado Blvd., Suite 205, Pasadena, (818) 405-4219
* South Bay Consortium, One Manchester Blvd., 4th Floor, Inglewood, (310) 412-5558
* Southeast Los Angeles County Private Industry Council, 10900 E. 183rd St., Suite 350, Cerritos, (310) 402-9336
* Verdugo Private Industry Council, 141 N. Glendale Ave., Suite 202, Glendale, (818) 548-2053
Costs: Free to eligible applicants
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 at high schools, adult schools, community colleges, private post-secondary schools, and community or business facilities.
Services:
* Classroom instruction
* Paid and unpaid on-the-job training
* Resume writing
* Job networking techniques
* Career counseling
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 16 years of age
Cost: Free to high school students; adults are asked to pay a $20 registration fee and a $20 materials fee (minimum)
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Telephone: (310) 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:
* Employment and training services for job seekers and employers, including job postings. Call Faye McClain or Eli Soto at (213) 993-7480
* Free legal advice to those in need. Call Roger Coggan at (213) 993-7670
Cost: Free
Address: 1625 N. Schrader Blvd., Hollywood
LA Works
Career center providing job training and placement services.
Services:
* Orientation and assessment to qualify for JTPA assistance
* Career counseling
* Vocational training
* Job clubs
* 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
* Online information centers
* Access to telephones, faxes, copiers and computers
Eligibility: Some programs have eligibility requirements.
Cost: Free to applicants who qualify for JTPA 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
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
A specialized institution, offering college-level career programs in trade, technical and business pursuits as well as offering general education courses. Offers transfer curriculum that includes general education requirements and preparation for major requirements for transfer to four-year college institutions.
Services:
* Career/Equity Center
* Continuing Education and Community Services Center
* Financial Aid
* Student Employment Center
* Counseling Center
* Transfer Center
* Disabled students programs and services
* Tutoring
Noteworthy programs:
* Accounting
* Automotive mechanics techology
* Chemical technology
* Computer information systems
* Electrical construction maintainance
* ESL
* Fashion design
* Machine shop CNC
* Registered nursing
* Refrigeration/air conditioning mechanics
* Visual communications (graphic arts)
* PACE program offering evening and Saturday classes for full-time working adults
Eligibility: Anyone 18 years or older qualifies for admission; those under 18 may qualify if certain requirements are met.
Cost: $13 per unit per semester; 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
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 and employers are served through counseling, workshops and a job bank.
* Information Technology Center offers courses in computer programming, computer operations and automated office procedures.
* 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.
* Pasadena-Foothill branch offers career counseling and job placement.
* Automotive Training Center
* Entrepreneurial Training and Business Development Center
* Financial Training Center
Cost: Free
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; call for orientation appointment
Address: 3450 Mt. Vernon Drive, Los Angeles (call for addresses of other locations)
Telephone: (213) 299-9660
Mexican American Opportunity Foundation Services:
* Job listings
* Computer training in WordPerfect, dBase IV, Lotus 123, DOS and Excel
* On-the-job training, with partial reimbursement to employers
* Work experience for preschool teacher’s aides
* Basic skills training in reading comprehension and math
* Limited internships for youths 18 to 21 years old in the private sector, with paid wages during training
* Child care
* ESL citizenship classes
Cost: Free
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Address: 401 N. Garfield Ave., Montebello
Telephone: (213) 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: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (EST) Mon.-Fri.
Telephone: (910) 547-0607; fax (910) 547-0017 (to request a list of nationally certified career counselors in your area)
Application for certification: (800) 398-5389
Pacific Asian Consortium in Employment Services:
* Job Training Partnership Act programs provide job training for a variety of positions for low-income residents of Los Angeles County; programs include classroom training and on-the-job training
* Dislocated, long-term unemployed and laid-off workers program
* County refugee job placement program
* ESL program
* Youth employment program
* Counseling and referrals
* Airline reservation agent training program
Cost: Free to participants and employers
Hours: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Address: 2525 W. 8th St., Los Angeles
Telephone: (213) 389-2373
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 on-the-job training and job placement for low-income/no-income people 55 and older
* Motivational and stress management seminars
* Pre-retirement seminars
Cost: Donation requested for employment services and pre-retirement seminar
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri. for job listings
Address: 85 E. Holly St., Pasadena
Telephone: (818) 795-4331. Call for appointment prior to first visit.
Portals Mental Health Rehabilitation Services
Employment services for adults with psychiatric disabilities.
Services:
* Job training and placement
* Resume writing and interview skills training
* Job coaching follow-up services
Locations:
* Mariposa Clubhouse, 269 S. Mariposa Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 381-8400
* Community Connections Clubhouse, 3881 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, (213) 299-7525
Private Industry Councils Job Training Programs
The Job Training Partnership Act of 1982 provides federal funding for locally managed employment and training programs. Private Industry Councils within 52 service areas in California plan job training and employment programs to meet the needs of their local labor markets.
Services:
* Educational, vocational and on-the-job training
* Job search skills and placement
* Dislocated workers program
* Older workers program (55 and older)
* Youth training programs
Eligibility: Applicants may qualify for one or more reasons, including layoff, long-term unemployment or income below poverty levels.
Benefits to employers: Pre-screened and trained applicants, initial wage reimbursement (for on-the-job training), tax credits
Cost: For qualified applicants, training and placement services are free. Services provided to employers are also free.
Telephone: For the nearest Private Industry Council, consult the White Pages of your telephone book.
Santa Monica Jobs Assistance
Programs:
* Santa Monica Youth Employment offers subsidized employment training and work experience for disadvantaged teens ages 14 to 21 years. (310) 829-5451
* Santa Monica High School Regional Occupation Program offers high school students and adults job-skills training, placement and career assessment. (310) 395-3204
* Santa Monica College Job Center works with Santa Monica College students only. (310) 452-9337
* Santa Monica Board of Education Workability Program for high school students with special needs. (310) 450-8338, Ext. 224
* Virginia Avenue Park Jobs Program offers employment workshops and job counseling for youths and adults. (310) 458-8688
Cost: Free
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
Cost: One-on-one counseling is free; seminars and workshops at nominal fees
Call for locations of counseling centers in Southern California:
* Los Angeles County: (818) 552-3206
* Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties: (714) 550-7369
* San Diego and Imperial counties: (619) 557-7272
Second Careers
A nonprofit project of the Volunteer Center of Los Angeles serving mostly people 40 and over.
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
* Retirement-planning counseling for corporations
Cost: Free to job seekers; modest fees for employers
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Address: 3530 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 1220, Los Angeles
Telephone: (213) 380-3166
Southern California Indian Center
Nonprofit organization serving the American Indian community of Los Angeles, Orange and Riverside counties. As a Job Training Partnership Act agency, 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
* Pre employment training
* Resume and job application preparation
* Job search techniques
* Job listings and referrals
* Classroom vocational training
* On-the-job training
* Educational workshops for parents
Cost: Free
Hours: 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Locations: Garden Grove, Carson, Commerce, Los Angeles and Riverside; satellite locations in Lancaster and El Monte
Telephone:
* Los Angeles County: (213) 387-5772
* Orange County: (714) 663-1102
* Riverside: (909) 682-8684
Spotlight on Jobs
Offers unemployed residents of Los Angeles County an opportunity for job training and placement within the entertainment industry and companies that support the industry. The service specializes in clerical, secretarial and administrative occupations.
Services:
* Job search techniques and direct placement
* On-the-job training
* Self-paced skills lab offering computer training
Costs: Services free to employers and job seekers
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Telephone: (213) 368-1468
TTI Career Training Center
National organization dedicated to meeting the needs of the economically disadvantaged with funding from the federal Job Training Partnership Act.
Services: Training and placement for work as automated office technician, computerized financial specialist, medical billing specialist and public safety officer.
Cost: No charge to qualified applicants
Hours: 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Address: 2975 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 200, Los Angeles
Telephone: (213) 368-7303
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
Cost: Free to eligible employers, employees and other applicants
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.
Address: 790 E. Willow St., Long Beach (corporate office); 12 field offices in Southern California
Telephone: (213) 562-6100
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/vocational aptitude testing
* Job search Internet access
Cost: $60 annual membership fee; additional fees for workshops and career-vocational aptitude testing.
Hours: 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mon.-Thur.; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fri.; 9 a.m.-noon Sat.
Address: The center is located at the UCI Extension complex on the UC Irvine campus.
Telephone: (714) 824-7128
UCLA Extension
UCLA Extension offers more than 80 certificated programs to help job seekers become more marketable.
Topics include:
* Business and management
* Computers and information systems
* Entertainment studies
* Graphic design
* Hospitality and food service
* Interior and environmental design
* International business
* Journalism, public relations and fund-raising
* Landscape architecture
* Legal interpretation and translation
* Personal financial planning
* Screenwriting
New offerings in emerging technologies:
* Client-server networks and object-oriented programming
* Computer graphics, emphasizing interactive, multimedia design
* Entertainment studies courses in multimedia and digital technologies
* Writing for interactive media
Cost: Varies
Address: UCLA Extension, 10995 LeConte Ave., Los Angeles 90024
Telephone: (800) 554-UCLA (catalog requests); (310) 825-9971 or (818) 784-7006 (for registration)
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. (310) 399-4100
* Venice Skills Center. Jobs-training and job-placement assistance. Contact Cynthia Conley at (310) 392-4153, Ext. 108. Fees range from free to $35, plus nominal material fees.
Cost: Free, except where noted
Verdugo Jobs and Assessment Center
Federally funded organization serving primarily workers laid off by aerospace and defense contractors or subcontractors (regardless of residence). Also serves people in other industries who live in Glendale, Burbank, La Canada-Flintridge or Los Angeles.
Services:
* Job postings
* Vocational assessment
* Retraining assistance
* Job search counseling
* Computer access to statewide job listings
* Professionally prepared resumes and correspondence
* Newsletter with client advertising
* Stress management and counseling for anxiety, anger, discouragement and other emotional issues of unemployment for clients and their families
* General job search assistance
Cost: Free to qualified clients
Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon.-Thur.
Address: 2600 W. Victory Blvd., 2nd Floor, Burbank
Telephone: (818) 972-2695
Women at Work
Nonprofit 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 Latina professionals with limited English
* Evening workshops on career planning, resume writing, interview techniques, networking and job hunting after 50
* Information dissemination and counseling on nontraditional job opportunities for women (trade and tech)
Costs: Drop-in resource room, suggested donation $2; counseling and resume writing, $55; occupational testing, including counseling, $110; evening workshops, free-$20
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Mon., Tue. and Thur.; 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Wed.
Address: 50 N. Hill Ave., Suite 300, Pasadena
Telephone: (818) 796-6870
Women Helping Women Services
A nonsectarian community service agency sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women, Los Angeles.
Services:
* Job-hunting support group
* Talkline (telephone counseling service and training to become a volunteer counselor)
* Community referrals for networking and education
* Job postings
* Low-fee psychological counseling for job seekers
Cost: Low fees based on sliding scale and individual’s income; Talkline, free
Hours: Talkline, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. Mon.-Thur. and 6-8 p.m. Tues. and Wed.; 24-hour voicemail
Address: NCJW/LA Women’s Center, 543 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles
Telephone: (213) 655-3807