Workforce Development

HACLA’s Workforce Development is focused on providing unique pathways for our clients to participate in positive economic futures for themselves and their families, find careers that inspire them, and open up opportunities. The Workforce Development Unit uses a variety of programs to offer employment preparation as well as training and placement services in the City and County of Los Angeles serving all HACLA residents as well as hard-to-serve populations.

Watts/Los Angeles WorkSource Center

HACLA is the only public housing agency in the nation that operates a full-functioning, certified WorkSource Center. For over thirty years, HACLA has operated this center. We serve over 1,600 clients annually and have placed nearly 15,000 residents in growth-sector employment industries.

The WorkSource Center is located in Watts and serves as a primary entry point for services to residents in this portion of South Los Angeles.  The Watts Los Angeles WorkSource Center receives funding from the City of Los Angeles’ Economic Workforce Development Department (EWDD) amongst other grants to provide job training, client support, business development, job placement and support continued education. This Watts Los Angeles WorkSource Center also administers the City’s HIRE LA Youth Employment Program and the County’s Youth@Work Youth Employment program, hiring youth every year for internships and job opportunities that give them the opportunity to explore different careers and learn job skills.

Jobs Plus @ Nickerson Gardens

HACLA received the highest allocation of Jobs Plus grant funding in the life of this unique Department of Housing and Urban Development program to provide the resources and flexibility needed to get work-able individuals into jobs and careers. The Jobs Plus Program is specifically for residents of Nickerson Gardens, HACLA’s largest public housing development and provides training, client support, job referrals and post-employment assistance. Jobs Plus has also partnered with a new of universities and health providers to develop a Community Health Worker curriculum as part of a Department of Health pilot and is working with Nickerson Gardens residents to train them to work in this health-related career.