S O U T H B A Y W O R K F O R C E
I N V E S T M E N T B O A R D
A WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD
Meet Lina Santos - Hawthorne
Workforce Challenge:
Hawthorne resident, Lina Santos, was completing a supervised release program required by US Federal Probation to assist her reintegration back into the workforce. Prior to her conviction, Lina had obtained education and work experience in accounting and finance. However, due to the nature of her conviction, and her requirement to disclose her conviction prior to obtaining employment, securing a job was posing a great challenge.
Workforce solution:
Lina was referred to our One Stop Center where she was enrolled in the Homeless Opportunity for Meaningful Employment program to access specialized services for her transition into the community. Working with her career counselor, Lina was assigned a position providing administrative support to warehouse operations at Gardena-based, Singla Spices, through a 300-hour subsidized Paid Work Experience program.
Outcome and Benefits:
Upon completion of the program, she successfully secured a permanent position with the same company making $22.50 an hour.
“I am grateful for the support received from AJCC staff during my transition. Despite the perceived barriers, I am grateful for the opportunities and assistance with reentering the workforce in a professional and administrative capacity.”
Meet Darrell Ray Edwards
Workforce Challenge:
Darrell Ray Edwards, who was living in a transitional housing program was referred to us by his Parole agent shortly after his release from State prison serving a nearly 30-year life sentence. He had limited work history and also faced challenges with his use and understanding of technology.
Workforce solution:
Prior to his incarceration, Darrell served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam era, which made him eligible for specialized services for Veterans including housing, healthcare, disability benefits and supportive services. He also received assistance in the areas of email use, resume preparation, accessing online applications, financial literacy, and various other valuable resources.
Outcome and Benefits:
Darrell began a subsidized Paid Work Experience program as an industrial mechanic trainee with a Gardena based vitamin packaging company. While in custody of the State, Darrell obtained experience working with industrial machines and performing general maintenance duties, making him an ideal candidate for this position. Upon completing his work experience, Darrell successfully secured a permanent position with the same company. He is grateful for the services received and is diligently working and saving to get a car and an apartment.
“I am grateful for the services received from staff, I now have two primary objectives and I’m diligently working and saving “to get a car and an apartment.’”
Meet Kathy Kirk - Redondo Beach
Workforce Challenge:
Kathy Kirk, a Redondo Beach resident, was a Sr. Director/ Managing Principal when her business unit was disbanded and her position eliminated. She sought unemployment services through EDD and was referred to our One Stop Center for further assistance.
Workforce solution:
Kathy was assigned a career counselor who provided career transition support, resources for preparing her resume, job search assistance and no cost training for obtaining a certification as a Project Management Professional and Certified Agile PMO through the University of La Verne. Our center also provided her with opportunities at career networking events, such as Career BridgeBuilders Coaching and networking groups held at American Marty’s Church in Manhattan Beach.
Outcome and Benefits:
Kathy accepted a position as a Principal Solution Architect (Client Advisor). She is currently partnering with executives in the retail and fashion industry to navigate through the current business challenges, preserve working capital and embarking on accelerated digital transformations.
“South Bay One-Stop offers great programs, services and support for anyone undergoing career transition, regardless of your job type, skill/ experience level or background. The staff is knowledgeable, very helpful and provide useful insight. I would encourage anyone to take advantage of their services.”
Meet Jose Gomez – Inglewood
Workforce Challenge:
Inglewood resident, Jose Gomez visited the South Bay One-Stop Business & Career Center and attended the Construction and Utility Pathway Program (CUPP) Orientation after being referred to by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, following his release from prison after serving a 26-year sentence. While incarcerated, Jose participated in various In-Prison Vocational Training Programs, including a welding program. However, he lacked industry recognized credentials upon his release.
Workforce solution:
His eagerness to work and desire to acquire new skills was instantly perceived by his career counselor and construction partners.
Outcome and Benefits:
Jose was sponsored into the local Iron Workers Union – 433 via Bumgarner Construction and dispatched to the SoFi stadium project in the City of Inglewood as a journeyman-in-training with an hourly wage of $45.25.
“I am grateful for the support I received from the CUPP program and my parole agent.”
Meet Ashley Brown
Workforce Challenge:
Ashley Brown, a 32 years old mother of 3 and originally from Louisiana, worked multiple jobs in search for the right employment to build a better life for her children and herself.
Workforce solution:
Having no prior office experience made it harder and after three years of searching, she decided to contact the GAIN Region 1 office for assistance. Ashley immediately started the TSE program and was hired at the Inglewood One-Stop.
Outcome and Benefits:
After her four months she was offered an interview at the SBWIB Headquarters. With the guidance, support and experience from the TSE program, her career advisor and director, Ashley now has a full-time job at Magnetika.
“I would like to tell anyone who is a little apprehensive about the TSE program, to go for it, to give yourself a chance. Because without it I wouldn’t be where I am, I wouldn’t have this new amazing job offer. Because of TSE, I am a success story!”
Meet Robert Devers – Hermosa Beach
Workforce Challenge:
Until 2017, 53-year old Air Force veteran Robert Devers was a successful member of upper management at Virco Manufacturing in Torrance serving as Chief Technology Officer. But when the company changed directions in its operations Robert was let go. He went back to consulting in the IT field but still sought to gain full employment.
Workforce solution:
While utilizing the services of the Employment Development Department in 2019, Robert was referred to the South Bay One-Stop Business & Career Center Torrance. After completing an orientation session his case manager helped him enter a course so he could earn Project Management and Six Sigma Black Belt Certifications. He also received numerous job leads and was invited to interview for some quality positions.
Outcome and Benefits:
Armed with a greatly enhanced resume, Robert interviewed with Avasant in El Segundo and was hired in the position of Sr. Director of IT Strategy and Transformation. He credits his professional certifications for enabling him to deliver the best results to his clients.
“You can’t go wrong checking out the free services that are available at the Torrance One-Stop. You can gain valuable skills and get a lot of job opportunities thanks to the staff.”
Meet Kim Brisco
Workforce Challenge:
When 52-year old Kim Brisco was laid off from her job in the Mental Health & Substance Abuse Treatment field in the summer of 2018, she realized that she needed to improve her job search skills and gain employment quickly so she could meet the needs of her three children, pay rent, and make car payments. CalWorks was helpful but not providing enough.
Workforce solution:
Kim turned to her local GAIN office and soon found out about the Transitional Subsidized Employment (TSE) Program. Her caseworker referred her to the South Bay One-Stop Business and Career Center in Gardena. She
was enrolled in the Job Club by her case worker. While working with the center’s TSE coordinator, Kim was able to develop Microsoft Office skills and learn organizational structures, which helped her to understand various functions such as payroll and problem solving. She also learned interviewing techniques and how to improve her resume.
While participating in her Paid Work Experience at Gardena One Stop, she received excellent training and continued advice/guidance on job retention & LinkedIn strategies. Kim was appreciative of all the help.
Outcome and Benefits:
After eight months, the Gardena One-Stop Center offered Kim a full time position as Administrative Assistant to the TSE Coordinator starting at $15.67 an hour.
“My Grandmother always taught me that a closed mouth don’t get fed. I knew what my challenges were but wasn’t afraid to seek out help. I’ve come so far from where I was. The resources are there at the One-Stop you have to reach out and don’t give up.”
Meet Brittany Head – Torrance
Workforce Challenge:
Brittany Head, a 32-year old mother of five children had been a successful self-employed Health Educator/Project Specialist for 22 months. But early in 2019 she had to close her business due to an economic downturn and the loss of the contract with a company that had partnered with her. After applying for 60 positions in health education and two unsuccessful job interviews Brittany realized she lacked Six Sigma and Project Management certifications.
Workforce solution:
Being ineligible for unemployment benefits and unable to gain employment for eight months, she turned to the South Bay One-Stop Business Center Carson and after participating in an orientation session, she was assigned to a case worker and together they came to the realization that she would have to gain Six Sigma Project Management Certification to be more competitive in the job market. Brittany was determined to be eligible for a WIOA grant and enrolled in Six Sigma Lean Black Belt with Project Management training at New Horizon Career Development Solutions.
.jpg)
Outcome and Benefits:
Several weeks after earning her certifications, Brittany secured employment as a Health Education & Quality Coordinator at Memorial Care – Seaside Health Plan earning $36.06 an hour plus benefits.
“With the services I received from the One-Stop staff and the grant to cover my training, my hopes and dreams came full circle. If you ever become unemployed get to the Carson One-Stop because the staff is so helpful and professional and their services were always timely and their directions and instructions were clear and precise.”
Meet Natalie DiLallo
Workforce Challenge:
Natalie DiLallo was a Senior Director of Packaging & Product Development at Guthy-Renker, until the company decided to move from marketing personnel oriented in cosmetic and skincare to requiring technical backgrounds in chemistry. Natalie realized her prior 20 years of experience and degree in marketing weren’t current.
Workforce solution:
Natalie was referred to the South Bay One-Stop Business & Career Center – Torrance and was enrolled at UCLA in a post baccalaureate certificate program in marketing with a concentration in digital marketing and graduated with straight A’s. Throughout the year she interviewed for a number of high-level positions and came close to being hired a few times, but wasn’t connecting with the right companies, until she was connected with Integrity Ingredients Corporation
Outcome and Benefits:
She was hired as Vice-President of Marketing & Strategic Planning. Enrolling at UCLA gave her the knowledge and confidence to compete in the job market, interview and land the job and to excel in the position.
“Sometimes we reach a point in life where our careers become mundane and meaningless. Experts in reinvention say we need to find agreement and consistency between what really matters to us and the goals we chase. For me personally this means really pushing toward growth and accepting who you are completely and realistically and how this translates into a viable career path.”
Meet Michael Perkins
Workforce Challenge:
While participating in the Dad’s Back Academy for formerly incarcerated men, Michael Perkins sought assistance in trying to find employment from the South Bay One-Stop Business and Career Center – Gardena in August 2019.
Workforce solution:
He attended a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) orientation and was assigned a career counselor who helped him to develop an individual employment and career pathway plan that outlined his existing skills including those obtained while in custody.
Outcome and Benefits:
Through the help of his career counselor, Mr. Perkins secured employment with Gardena based, Smartech Communications, as a Labor Crew Member, with an hourly wage of $21.00. His duties include transporting equipment, travel to and from job sites, and perform underground tasks. He is grateful for the opportunities provided from his career counselor and wants others to know about the value of these services.
Meet Samra Sangari
Workforce Challenge:
Samra Sangari, previously a Senior Technology Development Engineer, visited the South Bay One-Stop Business & Career Center – Inglewood after the company she was working for was going through layoffs.
Workforce solution:
Ms. Sangari received Rapid Response services under the Dislocated Worker Program which included an individual Employment Plan to assist with her reintegration into the workforce and minimize any periods of unemployment.
Outcome and Benefits:
Ms. Sangari attended a hiring event with thirty-one confirmed employers that was offered by the One-Stop. As a result of the event, she received a job offer from Northrop Grumman Corporation in Redondo beach, as a Materials Engineer.
“Thank you all for your support. I have had a couple of fantastic days in Northrop so far. I feel very welcomed in my new team. I have ended up in a great team with a fantastic manager. I think I’m going to have a very long and happy career here in Northrop. Please stay in touch and let me know if I can help in any way. Thanks again for all your support!”
Meet Lance DeLeon
Workforce Challenge:
Lance DeLeon sought employment services from the South Bay One-Stop Business & Career Center – Torrance during his unemployment transition. He had previously participated in the Aero-Flex Pre-Apprenticeship program where he also completed on-the-job work experience.
Workforce solution:
During the transition of seeking employment, Mr. DeLeon was hired by Northrop Grumman.
Outcome and Benefits:
To make the start of his new career less stressful, he received financial assistance from the One-Stop so he could obtain work supplies, work boots for protection in a manufacturing environment and an alarm clock
vibrator to accommodate his hearing impairment. Thus he was able to start his new career without unnecessary financial and performance stress.
“I don’t think I would have been able to take the steps needed to get back into the workforce. I was very nervous to face this process again, but I did it with their help. I applied for the first job he sent me and a few days later – I got the job, I was so happy!"
Meet Sheyona Grayson
Workforce Challenge:
Sheyona Grayson aspired for a career in the construction sector. The pervasive shortage of women in non-traditional roles provided Ms. Grayson a unique opportunity to secure a position working in the sector.
Workforce solution:
While Ms. Grayson had no prior construction experience, her desire to join the trades like many of the men in her family, made her an ideal candidate for an apprenticeship with IBEW Local 11 Electrical Union. She received test preparation materials and quickly immersed herself in the material in hopes of receiving a qualifying score on the entrance exam that would then lead to a union sponsorship.
Outcome and Benefits:
Ms. Grayson successfully passed the Electrical Union entrance exam and was subsequently sponsored into local 11 Electrical Union and dispatched to the Los Angeles Stadium at Hollywood Park project in Inglewood as a 1st Tier Apprentice. Since becoming a Union Electrician, she is very active in her community encouraging women to pursue the trades and letting them know that if she can do it, they can too!
“Traditionally men have been the breadwinners, I am proud to say that now I am the bread winner in my family.”
Meet Sandra Mercado
Workforce Challenge:
Sandra Mercado first visited the South Bay One-Stop Business and Career Center – Inglewood in September 2018. Despite nearly two decades of experience in the manufacturing sector, Ms. Mercado had difficulty in career advancement opportunities and her wages were consistently below industry averages and just slightly above minimum wage.
Workforce solution:
Following her orientation, she received career counseling and was assisted in developing an individualized employment plan that included occupational skills training. She was enrolled in the Occupational Skills Training Program to gain specialized competencies in the area of Non Destructive Testing (NDT).
Outcome and Benefits:
Upon completion of her course work in January 2019, Ms. Mercado was hired as a NDT Technician by Gardena - based Impresa Aerospace. In July she completed her level II qualifications and received a wage increase.
“You all do more than just find people jobs. You help people get back on their feet and get their life back! I never thought I could accomplish any of this. None of it would be possible without the help of the One-Stop, Impresa Aerospace, and AATA. I’m grateful for the opportunities.”
Meet Jimmy Garcia
Workforce Challenge:
Jimmy Garcia, visited the South Bay One-Stop Business & Career Center – Inglewood following his layoff as a Composite Technician. In this prior role, he was responsible for trimming and finishing composite and composite metallic assemblies utilizing his engineering skills. Mr. Garcia accessed Rapid Response services to assist with his reintegration into the workforce.
Workforce solution:
Mr. Garcia attended a hiring event, with nearly 600 other individuals, where he was able to network with companies in hopes of identifying potential employment opportunities. As a result of the hiring event, Mr.
Garcia received a job from an American global aerospace, defense, security and advanced technologies company – Lockheed Martin. He was offered a material handler position with a high salary.
Outcome and Benefits:
Mr. Garcia is grateful for the services received and the expedited support received during his transition with a minimal period of unemployment.
Meet Joaquin Ruelas
Workforce Challenge:
Joaquin Ruelas visited the South Bay One-Stop Business & Career Centers – Carson after being laid off from Aero-Craft Heat Treating Company, Inc. He attended a recruitment orientation and informed the career services coordinator of his history, being an ex-offender, and current situation of being homeless. Due to these barriers, Mr. Ruelas feared obtaining a job would be a long, difficult process.
Workforce solution:
Mr. Ruelas was deemed eligible and subsequently enrolled for employment assistance. With the assistance of a job developer, Mr. Ruelas was interviewed by a company in Santa Fe Springs. He immediately began feeling hopeful.
Outcome and Benefits:
Mr. Ruelas felt confident about the interview arranged by the One-Stop, and a few days later Mr. Ruelas was offered the job.
“I don’t think I would have been able to take the steps needed to get back into the workforce. I was very nervous to face this process again, but I did it with their help. I applied for the first job he sent me and a few days later – I got the job, I was so happy!"
Meet Malika Spellman
Workforce Challenge:
Malika Spellman, 25-year-old Compton resident and single mother, had a difficult time transitioning from the military into civilian life. Her goal was to find something with bigger purpose, a career with meaning.
Workforce solution:
Ms. Spellman was referred to the South Bay One-Stop Business & Career Centers – Inglewood for employment services and enrollment into the Transitional Subsidized Employment (TSE) program. Along with getting work
experience she received assistance with clothing for interviews, transportation allowances and was offered education. Ms. Spellman was placed at EV Connect for her training.
Outcome and Benefits:
EV Connect was impressed with Ms. Spellman’s work they offered her the position full-time after she completed her hours. Ms. Spellman is now a Customer Support Specialist in a career with a company that serves a bigger purpose, as she dreamed.
“Take your time, know the skills you have and find a company to add good value to.”
Meet Anne Marie Lasher
Workforce Challenge:
Manhattan Beach resident Anne Marie Lasher worked for the same Los Angeles – based advertising agency for 29 years but by the end of 2017, the agency closed its operation and she found herself unemployed and not prepared for a career search in the new labor market of the 21st century.
Workforce solution:
One of Anne’s friends told her about the successful re-employment experience they had experienced with the South Bay One – Stop Business & Career Center, so she turned to the center for guidance and training.
Outcome and Benefits:
Following her orientation session Anne was assigned to a career counselor and received employment preparation support in resume writing, interviewing techniques, career networking events and job placement assistance. Anne’s counselor also informed her about the educational options available to
unemployed persons and helped her to focus on the training programs that would increase her marketability. The One-Stop staff helped facilitate her application to a certification program in Digital Marketing through the University of California Irvine with financial assistance provided through the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
While completing her certification course, Anne accepted a position in August 2018 with Advertising Production Resources, a production optimization consultancy, and serves as a Brand Executive Producer.
“When I hear from a friend or colleague that they are facing a career transition, my first suggestion is always to reach out to the One-Stop Center. The support I received made a significant difference in my search and I want to spread the word.”
Meet Rosa Angelica Monterrozo
Workforce Challenge:
Rosa, 49, immigrated to the U.S. and settled in Pasadena in 2017. Having never held a regular job and lacking adequate English skills, she didn’t have the self-confidence to seek job interviews. But she did have a dream of one day working in the healthcare field as a registered nurse which gave her the motivation to seek assistance.
Workforce solution:
Rosa enrolled in an ESL course to improve her English speaking ability and also began a work study program at
Pasadena City College. But she still lacked work experience that employers prefer. While being assisted by her local DPSS GAIN Office, Rosa was referred to the Foothill Development Board where she received pre-employment training in interview skills and resume writing.
Outcome and Benefits:
In January 2019 Rosa was accepted into the Transitional Subsidized Employment (TSE) program and placed in a paid position as a receptionist with the American Cancer Society. While there, she learned clerical skills and enhanced her English proficiency and built up her self - confidence. Rosa also continued her studies and was able to complete her Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) training.
Following completion of her TSE contract, Rosa was hired full-time by the Assisted Living Center in Pasadena as a CNA at a starting salary of $15.50/hr with benefits. She is now well on her way to completing her degree requirements to be a registered nurse.
Meet Dean McCabe
Workforce Challenge:
Dean McCabe, fifty-one-year-old U.S. Navy Veteran and Torrance resident, had years of limited success in finding stable employment. He was determined to increase his skills therefore, he enrolled in welding classes at SoCalRoc in Torrance. He was provided with additional resources that lead him to the South Bay One-Stop Business & Career Center in Torrance.
Workforce solution:
Dean immediately received case management services that assisted him in attaining a job interview. Shortly after that he was approved for funding for welding classes. Additionally, he was informed about various job fairs, was sent to job interviews and received resume assistance. He was also referred to an Apprenticeship program with Operating Engineers Training Trust and got accepted.
Outcome and Benefits:
Dean completed his two year welding programs and landed a union job and is earning an average of $8,000-$10,000 per month!
“Without the assistance of my case manager and Propath staff, I would probably never have achieved such a state
of success and stability at this late time in my life.”
Meet Alisha Thompson
Workforce Challenge:
Alisha Thompson was referred to South Bay Business and Career Centers- Gardena through the Transitional Subsidized Employment (TSE) program. With extensive general office experience Ms. Thompson, was facing homelessness, financial hardships, and in need of rapid reintegration into the workforce. Her immediate goal was to obtain additional skills in the areas of administrative and program support through the TSE Paid Work Experience Program.
Workforce solution:
Shortly after her referral she was placed with partnering work site, Shields for Families to gain essential general office skills. Shields for families is a community-based non-profit organization located in South LA serving individuals and families through comprehensive and collaborative social services in the areas of mental health, substance abuse treatment and supportive services. In her role she was responsible for providing clerical support to program staff and program participants.
Outcome and Benefits:
Ms. Thompson was offered a full time staff position with the organization as a program specialist with an hourly wage of $19.23. She has made a successful transition to employment and continues to gain valuable experience. Her current position requires providing a full spectrum of services to individuals and families facing hardships and in need of breaking the cycle of poverty. She is very grateful for the assistance received from TSE programs and attributes her success to the experience gained through her Paid Work Experience assignment.
Meet Christopher Norwood
Workforce Challenge:
Christopher Norwood, a 40 – year single parent of a teenage son, was laid off from his executive position with the Uber Corporation in early 2018. Even though he had more than 10 years service in customer service and sales and had held a variety of leadership and mentoring positions, he had trouble getting job interviews due to “being over qualified” for the positions.
Workforce solution:
His GAIN case worker at the South Los Angeles Worksource Center recognized his diligence and desire to get back into the workforce and referred Christopher to the PACE program where he could concentrate more on a career focused opportunity.
Outcome and Benefits:
In May 2018, he was selected for a Transitional Subsidized Employment (TSE) on the job training position with the nonprofit PV Jobs that provides career training and job placement services for
disadvantaged populations including recently paroled individuals. Christopher started off as an office assistant but was quickly elevated to the Training Department as an intern pre-apprentice coordinator responsible for intake, orientation presentation and supportive service assistance for clients.
Christopher so impressed his managers that he was hired full-time in January 2019 with an annual salary of $43,000.
“The services I found most helpful at the Worksource Center was the TSE program which allowed me to be placed in a friendly workplace e environment that enble me to learn additional skills to advance my experience and become more of an asset"
Meet Amber Wynn
Workforce Challenge:
Hawthorne Resident, Amber Wynn, visited South Bay One-Stop Business & Career Center in Gardena in the months following her layoff from Cal State University Fullerton. With an extensive background in nonprofit management, research development, and philanthropic consulting, Ms. Wynn attended an orientation and subsequently enrolled in the WIOA Dislocated Worker Program.
Workforce solution:
After completing a series of career counseling sessions, she decided to pursue a Community College Teaching Certificate Program through a valued I-TRAIN partner Cal State University Dominguez Hills in August 2018. According to Ms. Wynn, obtaining this industry recognized certification would allow her to transfer her existing skills and experience in nonprofit management to an academic setting as a college professor. More importantly, pursuing this certificate would grant her an opportunity for a “second career with stability and longevity.”
Outcome and Benefits:
Ms. Wynn secured employment with Antioch University as an Adjunct Professor teaching Non Profit Management. She is responsible for designing lesson plans, developing course goals, and developing learning objectives for individuals in pursuit of nonprofit management careers. Her experience and industry knowledge within this sector coupled with newly acquired certificate facilitated her successful reentry into the workforce. She is grateful for the services received and has embraced her most recent career endeavor.
“I am so grateful to the One –Stop and the resources available. There are many people out there in need of hope and in need of services. Some may be one paycheck away from real hardships, and they need to know that help is out there. I was worried that at my age, I wouldn’t be able to have a chance at a second career. Thanks to my case manager and the one stop I was able to reach my goals. I tell everyone about the One Stop and the help that’s available.”
Meet Marisa Soto
Workforce Challenge:
Marisa Soto, Redondo Beach resident, was laid off from Time Warner Cable in 2015 after working almost 14 years with them because the company was in the process of being sold. She realized that employment opportunities had changed drastically and she needed to make a career transition in order to find her next dream job. So, she reached out to the South Bay One-Stop Business & Career Center for career transition support.
Workforce solution:
The One-Stop office offered various employment services to her including: employment leads, job fairs, access to local career networking groups and occupational skills training. Marisa received financial support through the WIOA program to earn her certificate in Social Media & Web Analytics through UCLA Extension, a 36-unit course.
Outcome and Benefits:
Through her connections and support while at UCLA Extension, she was referred to her current job working as a Marketing & Communications Officer for the UCLA Film & Television Archive. She has also become a marketing consultant and started her own digital marketing agency. More of Marisa's story may be found in her short story called, "In Pursuit of My Dreams - How Consulting Changed My Life."
.jpg)
“I would (and constantly do) tell others in career transition to reach out and take advantage of the services the One-Stop Center offers. Also, to be open to and listen closely to the advice they’ll get and make the most of it.”
Meet Tanesha Hudson
Workforce Challenge:
Compton resident Tanesha Hudson and a single parent of two young children, was laid off from her job of 18 years with Sony in 2016 and struggled to find new employment.
Workforce solution:
While working with GAIN, Tanesha found out about the free services offered through the South Bay Workforce Investment Board’s Carson One-Stop Business & Career Center. She attended an orientation session. Her job developer felt she was a good candidate for a position in the City Clerk’s Office with the City of Carson and prepared her for an interview. He also suggested she become familiar with a new software that municipal governments are now utilizing for records management. Tanesha was selected for the temporary part-time position under the Transitional Subsidized Employment (TSE) program. As she neared the end of the TSE assignment, Tanesha was hired by the City of Carson for a part-time position of Typist Clerk II. She was later advised of another full-time position in the City of Hermosa Beach City Clerk’s Office. She interviewed and was hired as a Senior Office Assistant.
Outcome and Benefits:
Tanesha made such a positive impression with Carson, she was asked to continue working part-time one day a week while fulfilling her duties with Hermosa Beach.
"I'm thankful for the job developers and counselors I worked with at GAIN and the Carson One-Stop Center for giving me the tools I needed to re-enter the workforce. I especially want to thank Michael Seale at the Carson Center who saw something in me and knew I could succeed in the Carson position."
Meet Elizabeth Hilbing
Workforce Challenge:
Elizabeth Hilbing, Redondo Beach resident, was laid off from her job early in 2018. Thanks to a friend’s recommendation, she went to the South Bay One-Stop Business & Career Center in Torrance to seek training and find a way to continue her education toward earning her Project Management Principal (PMP) certification.
Workforce solution:
After being being enrolled at the One-Stop, Elizabeth’s career counselor helped her search for the right course and university that matched her goal of obtaining her PMP certification as well as applying for funding to cover tuition. The One-Stop staff also gave her mock interviews while informing her of job openings aligned with her skill set.
Outcome and Benefits:
Elizabeth interviewed for the position of Sr. Program Manager and Principal IT Business Partner with The Boeing Company and was hired full-time in October 2018 at a six figure salary. The company also supported her in finishing her PMP certification through UC Irvine.
“I am very satisfied with the attention and support the Torrance One-Stop staff gave me and I recommend their services to anyone who is seeking job search skills and needing expanded learning and training.”
Meet Ashley Talbott
Workforce Challenge:
Ashley Talbott of Hermosa Beach, outreached to the South Bay Business & Career Center in Torrance for employment services. Ashley previously worked as Senior Manager with a large company. She found herself trapped in her routine which included a two-and-a-half-hour daily commute to and from work. She knew her lack of extensive experience in digital marketing was an obstacle to pursue a higher title and salary level.
Workforce solution:
Despite initially being skeptical of seeking assistance at the One-Stop, she took in the recommendation. Ashley received one-on-one coaching and discussion, resume assistance, and financed to continued education, in where she earned a certificate in Search Engine Optimization and Web Analytics.
Outcome and Benefits:
Ashley landed a job as Director of National Sales & Marketing for the US managing two brands that are sold in some of the largest retailers in the world including Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, Albertson’s and more.
“Working with One-stop motivated me to be more excited and engaged in my search for a new career. It is a great resource for individuals of all backgrounds and salary levels. They put a lot of focus and effort into your specific needs and search. They are focused on, and passionate about delivering results. These results assist in employment, and as importantly, help find opportunities and leads that are a good fit for your needs both professionally and personally. I recommend One-Stop to everyone that I feel could benefit from their services, including close friends and family!”