An LA:RISE Success Story
Manuel was at-risk of experiencing homelessness when he connected with LA:RISE. Through the program, Manuel, 22, entered a 13-week hands-on training program with GRID Alternatives Greater Los Angeles and is now poised for a career in the solar industry.
"My past few months with GRID has been busy, tested my abilities and gave me new ones. I love the team. They've helped me from start to finish. The support is unreal and positive energy all around." He said he enjoyed working with "Down to earth and very funny, helpful individuals. I look forward to seeing these guys in the future."
LA:RISE supported Manuel by teaching him how to develop his resume, build a LinkedIn profile, and hone his interviewing skills. The goal was to help him build confidence for future job opportunities. A solar training supervisor taught Manuel the solar installation fundamentals required for entry-level positions as a solar technician.
After completing the 13-week solar Installation Basics Training (IBT), Manuel gained full-time employment with solar energy company SunPower.
"My past few months with GRID has been busy, tested my abilities and gave me new ones. I love the team. They've helped me from start to finish. The support is unreal and positive energy all around." He said he enjoyed working with "Down to earth and very funny, helpful individuals. I look forward to seeing these guys in the future."
LA:RISE supported Manuel by teaching him how to develop his resume, build a LinkedIn profile, and hone his interviewing skills. The goal was to help him build confidence for future job opportunities. A solar training supervisor taught Manuel the solar installation fundamentals required for entry-level positions as a solar technician.
After completing the 13-week solar Installation Basics Training (IBT), Manuel gained full-time employment with solar energy company SunPower.
Los Angeles Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise (LA:RISE)
A Social Enterprise Solution to Help the At-Risk Join the Workforce
The Los Angeles City Council recently approved Mayor Karen Bass' City budget, which includes $1.3 billion to address the City's homelessness crisis. Since 2015, EWDD has been a leadership partner in the LA Regional Initiative for Social Enterprises (LA:RISE).
The program is an innovative, collaborative partnership that unites the City and County of LA's Workforce Development Systems with non-profit social enterprises and for-profit employers to help individuals with high barriers to employment get good jobs and stay employed. The program offers youth or individuals previously homeless or incarcerated an opportunity to receive job training, then a transitional job, to permanent employment. Manuel's story above exemplifies how the LA:RISE program can help participants improve their situations through stable and secure employment.
A Social Enterprise Solution to Help the At-Risk Join the Workforce
The Los Angeles City Council recently approved Mayor Karen Bass' City budget, which includes $1.3 billion to address the City's homelessness crisis. Since 2015, EWDD has been a leadership partner in the LA Regional Initiative for Social Enterprises (LA:RISE).
The program is an innovative, collaborative partnership that unites the City and County of LA's Workforce Development Systems with non-profit social enterprises and for-profit employers to help individuals with high barriers to employment get good jobs and stay employed. The program offers youth or individuals previously homeless or incarcerated an opportunity to receive job training, then a transitional job, to permanent employment. Manuel's story above exemplifies how the LA:RISE program can help participants improve their situations through stable and secure employment.
This story is part of the EWDD UPDATES from the week of May 22, 2023. Read this issue and more.