HACLA uses stimulus funds to provide job training

 
 
HACLA Resident Services Unit in collaboration with EDNET Career Institute, Inc.  is currently providing 10-day training for dislocated workers interested in employment in the security industry. 
The training will prepare participants for jobs such as security officers, security guards, and detention officers.     
 
The training is supported by federal funds under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.   The goal of the project is to place 45 trained participants in the security industry positions.  To-date as a result of the training, 18 individuals have been placed in employment with pay ranging from $10 - $27 per hour.  Twenty-seven individuals are enrolled in the program. 

Akelu Wioten Jr., a Jordan Downs resident and a young father said he wants training to be able to support his family.  " He [instructor] is already teaching us to strengthen our brains, to pay attention to our surroundings and people, how they dress, how they speak … to basically train your mind to be able to pay attention to be able to operate and become a security officer," said Wioten.

Ricardo Hall, course instructor, said “It’s an excellent opportunity that these people might not have had if it wasn’t for this program, and will get them back on their feet.” He was particularly excited to be teaching this class and noted that there is a high demand for security officers and he is proud that he can share his knowledge and 11 years of experience in the field with the students in order for them to enter the workforce and lead productive lives.

All participants will be provided with job placement assistance after completing the training.  In addition, these participants will have the opportunity to apply for positions working at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards ceremony to be held in March 2010.