Job training programs such as the High Road Training Partnership should be able to handle budget cuts.
Amidst a plethora of job opportunities, the scarcity of quality positions persists. Securing a job that sustains financially and promises stability and growth remains a challenge, especially in regions like the Inland Empire. While employment might be accessible, finding a fulfilling career is different.
This struggle resonates with my experience, as years of seeking stability in the electrical field led me through various warehouse roles. The need for change was apparent, yet the path forward seemed obscured.
Where were the promising career paths that could ensure financial security for me and my family? Transitioning seemed daunting, with the high costs of formal training programs and concerns about taking time off from work.
Fortunately, I discovered a local initiative tailored for job seekers like myself: Inland Empire Works (IEWorks). Through a collaboration between the JVS Bay Area and local water/wastewater utilities, I received invaluable training for a new career without financial burden.
Not only did JVS assist with training, but they also provided essential support, including financial aid for expenses like transportation and even a laptop.
Completing courses at a nearby college, a feat I once deemed unattainable, opened doors to a long-term paid internship, where I now earn $21 per hour.
This internship offers practical experience and paves the way for certifications essential for a career as an electrical instrumentation technician in the water/wastewater industry—a field with lucrative starting salaries.
The success of programs like IEWorks is indebted to California’s High Road Training Partnerships (HRTP) initiative, which has empowered countless individuals to invest in their futures across various industries.
However, looming budget cuts threaten the continuity of such vital programs. Governor Newsom’s proposal to slash $45 million from HRTP, alongside other workforce program reductions, jeopardizes the state’s economic trajectory.
In a job market where quality positions remain elusive for many, neglecting investments in workforce development would exacerbate existing disparities.
Many American workers perceive their jobs as lacking quality, while Californians witness the widening gap between socioeconomic classes.
Public sentiment strongly favors bolstering government funding for workforce training, recognizing the tangible benefits such investments bring to individuals and the economy.
As a testament to the efficacy of programs like HRTP, I urge lawmakers to prioritize their preservation. My firsthand experience underscores the transformative impact of these initiatives on individuals, employers, and the broader community.
Jordan Hernandez, a resident of Moreno Valley, is a testament to the life-changing opportunities facilitated by programs like IEWorks.
Having recently completed the pre-apprenticeship pathway program, he now thrives in a paid internship at the Inland Empire Utilities Agency, specializing in electrical instrumentation.