Congratulations to the graduates of the first job readiness class offered in Gaithersburg! The class graduated in December from a condensed four-session job readiness pilot program offered through a partnership with the City of Gaithersburg. For this first class, four students attended four two-hour sessions covering resume and cover letter writing, how to search for a job, interview skills, and job maintenance skills. A second Gaithersburg-based class started at the end of January. This class has expanded to six sessions, with the added focus on financial literacy and how to keep a job. After completing the course, students continue to work one-on-one with vocational counselors Janel and Carlos for more vocational training until they secure a job.
In addition to the job readiness class in Gaithersburg, classes continue at Community Vision day program in Silver Spring. In 2013, the Vocational Services Program served 151 homeless or low-wage workers through vocational services training, job readiness classes, and Microsoft Office classes in English and Spanish. The intensive, one-on-one vocational counseling resulted in 93 placements in living wage jobs.