“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 JTPA-funded 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

818-710-4178Bridge to Success

M-Th 9am-7:30pm; F 9am-3pm
Website: www.piercecollege.edu/bridge
We specialize in high school completion, career pathways and job readiness assistance. Free workshops. All are welcome.

916-341-3100California Conservation Corps

M-F 8am-4pm
Website: www.ccc.ca.gov
Los Angeles Center: 213-744-2254
Norwalk Center: 562-651-5502
Pomona Center: 909-594-4206
(909) 594-4206, (916) 341-3100 (headquarters in Sacramento)
This program is for 18-23 year olds. Training for fire fighting and conservation.

(951) 955-3300CalWorks (Greater Avenue for Independence Program)

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

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 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.

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

M-Th 7am-8pm; F 7am-4pm; Sat 8am-1:30pm
Website: www.elasc.adultinstruction.org
FREE vocational skills classes and placement. English classes. GED classes. Bilingual.

626-919-4333East Valley Community Health Center West Covina

M-Th 10am-7pm; F 8am-4pm; Sat 8am-2pm
Website: www.evchc.org
Additional office at 680 Fairplex Drive, Pomona
Mental health counseling, job training resources, legal assistance, medical and dental assistance, pregnancy/birth control/family planning services, and sexuality/sexually transmitted diseases for teens.

213-483-6335El Centro del Pueblo

M-F 8:30am-5pm
Job placement program, counseling, youth services. Silverlake, Echo Park area.

818-771-0184El Proyecto del Barrio

M-F 8am-5pm
Website: www.wscalnetwork.org
S.F. Valley residents only. FREE classes on interviewing, job-finding; also job placement, GED information. Serves 18+. Bilingual.

800-733-JOBS [5627] Job Corps

Website: www.recruiting.jobcorps.gov
Provides career technical training and education programs

323-904-4900JVS Youth Job Readiness Programs

Website: http://www.jvsla.org/programs-and-services/youth-services
Santa Monica office: 2011 Colorado Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90404; 310-829-7327.
Year-round job training programs, career planning, internships/work experience and job placement assistance.

323-292-8911Los Angeles Urban League

M-Th 8:30am-7pm; F 8am-6pm
Website: www.laul.org
GED preparation; FREE employment training and placement for 14-24 years old; afterschool literacy classes.

818-503-6330New 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.

213-774-7300Services For 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.

323-450-5080Volunteer 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.

310-574-6482West LA Workforce Service Office, Marina Del Rey

M-F 8am-5pm
Website: www.edd.ca.gov
Also 310-574-6464
Job referrals, peer counseling, job search. Programs for at-risk teens.

818-708-1662The Work of Angels Group Inc.

M-Thur 9am-5pm
Website: www.workofangelsgroup.org
Works with youth who are transitioning out of foster care. Offer Mentorship, Academic support, Career development, Counseling.