Job Readiness

Prepares at-risk youth to enter the job market and become thriving, productive members of the community. Workshops and vocational training programs help equip youth for jobs where they can earn a living wage.

Cloud and Fire provides exciting, interactive job readiness workshops for youth ages 16-21. Topics for the workshops include job search techniques, job seeker phone etiquette, resume writing, and interview skills.

Since 2008, Cloud and Fire has utilized the L.A. Youth at Work training program that was designed by the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce. This outstanding program helps youth prepare for their first jobs, and teaches them the best ways to communicate with potential employers.

Job Readiness Workshops are currently offered at Cloud and Fire four times each year. These workshops consist of two parts, and are led by business leaders from the community. In Session One, youth learn how to represent themselves when seeking jobs, and are taught how to dress for success, apply with style, create great resumes, and interview with style. They are given homework to complete and must return two weeks later for Session Two.

Particpants practice interview skills

In the second workshop, mock interviews are held to provide each participant with an opportunity to experience the interview process. Business professionals from the community assist with the workshops, and give youth honest feedback about their interview skills. Each youth receives a score for their interview techniques, and those who pass earn Job Readiness Certificates. To qualify for a Job Readiness Certificate, participants must attend BOTH sessions.

Please see our calendar for Job Readiness Workshop schedules. For more information please contact Jennifer Farrell at (818) 920-010 or via email to jennifer@cloudandfire.org .

YouthBuild

The Cloud and Fire YouthBuild program provides construction training for youth ages 17-24. Youth who enter the ten-month program work on completing high school diplomas or G.E.D’s while learning construction at the same time. Youth also learn leadership skills and work ethic so they can develop into valuable employees no matter what vocation they choose. Read more about YouthBuild.

The Next Step: Managing Money

Because of the excellent training they receive, Cloud and Fire participants and alumni are very successful in finding work. Once they have jobs and begin receiving paychecks, it is important for them to learn the basics of money management. To address this need, Cloud and Fire provides Money Management Workshops to help youth learn to save, budget, invest, and wisely spend their money.

After participating in the Money Management Workshops, students begin seeing ways to spend less, save more, and use their money to help them accomplish their personal goals. This valuable training helps youth determine what they currently spend and find ways to reduce unnecessary spending, even when they think that is impossible.

Check our calendar for the next session. Contact Emma Rios at emmarios@cloudandfire.org to register or for more information.