Anthony was at risk of experiencing homelessness when LA:RISE connected him with social enterprise partner Grid Alternatives. Anthony was enrolled in Grid's Installation Basics Training program to develop solar industry skills.
After learning job safety requirements, including fall protection, Anthony learned critical electrical safety skills needed to install solar panels in residential and commercial projects. He also received training in electrical wiring, layout and mounting. Anthony said that he was surprised at how much he was able to learn in a short amount of time.
"I appreciate the effort and time they put into teaching us the skills required. Grid has prepared me for an entry-level job in the solar industry," Anthony said.
Anthony added that he is excited about his future and developing his career. Eventually, he hopes to move into sales management. What advice would he give to individuals interested in LA:RISE job training programs?
"Keep pushing, despite the challenges."
Los Angeles Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise (LA:RISE)
A Social Enterprise Solution to Help the At-Risk Join the Workforce
EWDD is a leadership team partner of LA:RISE, an innovative, collaborative partnership that unites the City and County of Los Angeles’ Workforce Development System with non-profit social enterprises and for-profit employers to help people with high barriers to employment get good jobs and stay employed.
The City’s WorkSource Centers and LA:RISE prioritize individuals recently released from prison, the unsheltered or those at risk of homelessness, and youth ages 18-24 who are neither in school nor employed. After working in a transitional job at a social enterprise, leveraging WorkSource Center training and services, LA:RISE participants are placed in permanent jobs within the private or the public sector.
After learning job safety requirements, including fall protection, Anthony learned critical electrical safety skills needed to install solar panels in residential and commercial projects. He also received training in electrical wiring, layout and mounting. Anthony said that he was surprised at how much he was able to learn in a short amount of time.
"I appreciate the effort and time they put into teaching us the skills required. Grid has prepared me for an entry-level job in the solar industry," Anthony said.
Anthony added that he is excited about his future and developing his career. Eventually, he hopes to move into sales management. What advice would he give to individuals interested in LA:RISE job training programs?
"Keep pushing, despite the challenges."
Los Angeles Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise (LA:RISE)
A Social Enterprise Solution to Help the At-Risk Join the Workforce
EWDD is a leadership team partner of LA:RISE, an innovative, collaborative partnership that unites the City and County of Los Angeles’ Workforce Development System with non-profit social enterprises and for-profit employers to help people with high barriers to employment get good jobs and stay employed.
The City’s WorkSource Centers and LA:RISE prioritize individuals recently released from prison, the unsheltered or those at risk of homelessness, and youth ages 18-24 who are neither in school nor employed. After working in a transitional job at a social enterprise, leveraging WorkSource Center training and services, LA:RISE participants are placed in permanent jobs within the private or the public sector.
Explore the various services that EWDD offers by checking out the Business Services, Employment Services and Youth Services pages. Discover what EWDD can do for you!
This story is part of the EWDD UPDATES from the week of May 23, 2022. Read this issue and more.
