"I've been offered a job as a receptionist, but I need computer skills." - 19 year old

Don’t get discouraged if you call one of the referral numbers and learn they can’t help you. Ask them to direct you to an agency that can. Sometimes it’s a matter of where you live, and they can put you in touch with an agency near you that offers programs similar to theirs. Also, try asking your school counselor about JTPAfunded programs (Job Training Partnership Act).

These programs include a learning experience program (which is a paid job for which you get school credit); summer employment programs; and other job opportunities. Also available through your school are Regional Occupational Programs (ROP). Almost all cities offer a Summer Youth Employment Program, and many cities offer year-round job training and/or placement programs. Ask at your school, or call 213-744-9090 to request a copy of the current JTPA Contractors Listing published by the City of Los Angeles Community Development Department (Private Industry Council, Youth & Employment Service Division). This lists all the agencies that offer job training and job placement programs. In Riverside County, call 888-968-8456 for the Learn & Earn Program.

Some questions to ask yourself before beginning the job search are:

• What do I like to do and what do I do well?
• How will I get to and from a job?
• How many hours and days a week can I work?
• What are my skills? (e.g. computer skills, photography, auto repair, typing?)
• Do I have any extra-curricular school activities or hobbies that could help my chances of getting a job?

FINDING A JOB

To learn about job openings, try the classified section of the newspaper, bulletin boards at schools and community centers, consult with your guidance counselor or school related personnel and, of course, ask family members and friends.

Any kind of job or volunteer work will introduce you to adults who can recommend you to a future employer. The important thing is to get some valuable experience that will help you to show future employers that you have what it takes to be a mature and responsible employee.

SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

In order to start working, you will need a social security number. It’s easy to get one by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to request an application. Or you can pick one up at the Social Security Office nearest you. To find an office close to you, look in the Phone Book in the Government Pages, United States.

JOB TRAINING RESOURCES

951-955-3300Cal Works (Greater Avenue for Independence Program) (RIVERSIDE)

M-Th 7:30am-5:30pm, F 8am-5pm Education and training for individuals receiving public assistance, child care. GAIN Program job search.

800-952-5627California Conservation Corps

M-F 8am-4pm
Website: www.ccc.ca.gov
(909) 594-4206, (916) 341-3100 (headquarters in Sacramento)
This program is for 18-23 year olds. Training for fire fighting and conservation.

626-572-7272Career Partners

M-F 8am-5pm
Website: www.careerpartners.org
Youth services in job readiness preparation, paid work experience, resume/application preparation, mentoring, education development for ages 14-21. Serving cities of Alhambra, Montebello, Monterey Park, Rosemead, San Gabriel.

213-253-5959Chicana Service Action Center

M,W,F 8am-5pm; T, Th 8am-7:30pm; Sat. 9am-1pm
Job Opportunities Hotline: (800) 843-9675
Job training and placement. Bilingual.

213-808-1700Chinatown Service Center

M-F 8:30am-5pm
Website: www.cscla.org
Additional phone: (213) 972-8840
Job skills training and job placement. Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, and English spoken.

800-367-2562City of Los Angeles One Source Youth Opportunities System

M-F 8am-5pm
Website: www.onesourceca.org
Youth employment opportunities, career, education, and support services for youths ages 14-21 who are residents of Los Angeles and income eligible.

323-224-5970East L.A. Skills Center

M-Th 7am-8pm; F 7:30am-4pm; Sat 8am-12:15pm
Website: www.nelanet.org/jobtrack/eastlaskillscenter.htm
FREE vocational skills classes and placement. English classes. GED classes. Bilingual.

213-483-6335El Centro del Pueblo

M-F 7:30am-5pm
Job placement program, counseling, youth services. Silverlake, Echo Park area.

818-771-0184El Proyecto del Barrio

M, W 8am-5pm; T,Th 8am-7pm; Sat 9am-12pm
Website: www.wscalnetwork.org
S.F. Valley residents only. FREE classes on interviewing, job-finding; also job placement, GED information. Serves 14-21 yrs. Bilingual.

310-829-7327JVS Worksource for Youth

Located in Santa Monica and serves youth between 114 and 21 years of age.

213-736-5456Los Angeles Archdiocesan Youth Employment Services of Catholic Charities Los Angeles, Inc.

M-F 8:30am-5pm
Website: www.aye-la.org
TTY: 1-800-732-8598
Year-round job training program for teens 14-21. Work experience and educational training. Summer jobs for ages 14-21.

323-292-8111Los Angeles Urban League Milken Family Literacy and Youth Training Center

M-Th 8am-7pm; F 8am-5pm
Website: www.laul.org
GED preparation; FREE employment training and placement for 14-21 years old; afterschool literacy classes.

213-833-7900Marina Del Rey EDD Job Service

M-F 8am-5pm
Website: www.caljobs.ca.gov
Job referrals, peer counseling, job search and resume workshops. Programs for at-risk teens.

818-375-1000New Directions for Youth

M-F 8am-5pm
Website: www.ndfy.org
Job training and placement (JTPA). After school tutoring, parenting classes in Spanish/English, life skills. Serves San Fernando Valley. Services are free.

800-367-2562Summer Youth Employment

M-F 8am-5pm
Website: www.onesourceca.com
Paid work experience program for low income youth living in L.A. Ages 14-21.

818-908-5066Volunteer Center of Los Angeles

Volunteer Program M-F 9am-5pm
Website: www.vcla.net
Assists in finding volunteer work and provides referrals to court referred community service.