Past Job Training
As an employee of Citrus College, Dr. Yanez reached out to Proterra to form a partnership with the reputable Auto Program at Citrus College. As a result, they created a 9-week Electric Bus Manufacturing Technology Training Program. The LA County Department of Workforce Development, Aging and Community Service (WDACS) was also committed to helping Proterra create a training program to support their growth and workforce. Dr. Yanez worked with WDACS to secure funding made available through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). WIOA dollars are accessed through the LA County Workforce Development Board (WDB) and must be invested in training programs that get people trained and to work. WIOA dollars paid the cost of Citrus College faculty to customize curriculum and deliver instruction to Proterra employees. Dr. Yanez worked as the facilitator between all partners to design the curriculum, budget, timeline and contract.
This kind of model is a win-win!
It helps employers grow by upskilling current employees and create room at the bottom for new hires. The college gets paid to do what they do best, provide training and partner with a business that might employ their students. The workforce development board gets to invests their WIOA dollars in major employers and job training for low-skilled and trainees with barriers. In some cases, WIOA dollars cannot be used and other resources must be secured.
