LA Fellows seeks unemployed professionals for free training

http://lafellows.blogspot.com/

Despite the uptick in the economy, many long-term unemployed workers and older, educated, highly-skilled mid-level professionals are still struggling to find jobs. Stable, secure, salaried positions are becoming less common; workers must often learn how to cobble together contract or part-time positions to pay the bills.

The LA Fellows program at Los Angeles Valley College was designed to target this segment of the unemployed population, providing training on the most cutting-edge job search techniques and professional development in demand in this new employment paradigm, and bolstering that with a unique component of nonprofit volunteerism. LA Fellows receive nine weeks of free training in advanced job-seeking skills and executive-level topics including leadership, critical thinking, and generating job leads. Optional classes in advanced computer skills and grant writing are available to participants.

MEET THE LA FELLOWS (photo courtesy of http://www.lafellows.org/)

Created in partnership with a consortium of community leaders who recognized the need to address long-term unemployment and the critical need for skilled volunteers in the nonprofit sector, the program was started with a grant in 2010. Recently, grant funding and WorkSource funds have allowed the program to continue, so participants don’t pay a dime for the training. In the last four years, over 350 Fellows have completed the program, provided over 35,000 hours of professional-level expertise to the local nonprofit community, and moved back into paid positions.

Training for the next cohort begins in September and information sessions are being held at the following locations to allow community members to learn more about the program and application process:

• Los Angeles Valley College on July 20^th and August 5^th
• JVS Marina Del Rey WorkSource Center at 13160 Mindanao Way on August 1^st

Job Seekers only need to attend one informational session to apply.   Additional information about orientations can be located at lafellows.org/apply.