Opportunity Junction Opens Recruitment for Job Training Programs

Contra Costa County, CA — Nonprofit organization Opportunity Junction (OJ) is actively accepting applications for its computer and health care training programs’ May classes and encourages interested applicants to apply early.

The Administrative Careers Training (ACT) and the Healthcare Career Pathway (HCP) programs will offer in-person no-cost training for low-income motivated job seekers who wish to pursue sustainable careers in office administration or health care fields.

Administrative Careers Training

The ACT offers 12 weeks of full-time training in office computer applications, academic enhancement and life skills. Following training, graduates are hired and engage in paid work experience for up to four months. Case managers offer support, ensuring links to child care, health care, food, transportation and other essential services. During the paid work experience portion of the program, participants also engage in comprehensive career-building activities, including skills assessment, job search, resume and cover letter preparation, and interview practice. Alumni services include ongoing career counseling and case management, helping alumni maintain employment, obtain a raise or promotion, and, if needed, search for new employment.

“Before, I was working a bunch of jobs that were going nowhere. They were minimum wage and destroying my body,” said Julien Frost, a recent graduate. “And now, I work nine to five, I don’t work weekends, I make good money, and I get vacation and medical. It’s life-altering. I can really start my life.”

Since inception, nearly 750 program participants have been placed into employment in various fields. The computer skills gained through the ACT program open doors to diverse careers, including eligibility worker, program coordinator, and property manager. Instruction for this program will take place at OJ’s headquarters in Antioch beginning May 30.

Healthcare Career Pathway

OJ’s Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training combines skills training at no cost to the participant with wraparound services and a professional skills curriculum for those on the health care track. Students can enroll for courses either at OJ’s Antioch site or in Concord with OJ’s partner, Mt. Diablo Adult Education. Much like the ACT program, additional services include one-on-one case management, food and transportation support, job placement assistance, and professional skills development.

After graduation, HCP alumna Aishia Patterson landed a CNA position with Alhambra Convalescent Hospital.

“I am enjoying my new position and know this is a better start for me and my family,” Patterson said. “I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the additional support from OJ—the food, scrubs, computer—everything made it so easy. I’ve already connected with the alumni manager to make plans to continue my education. I am so grateful for Opportunity Junction. This is the start of a better life for me and my family.”

Classes begin in Antioch and Concord on May 8 and Sept. 11. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis for this program. Those who are interested are encouraged to apply early.

Opportunity Junction was launched in 2000 by a diverse founding board representing the private sector, government, and educators who envisioned training low-income job seekers for employment that would lead to self-sufficiency while meeting the growing need for technologically skilled workers. The agency has grown from a start-up nonprofit running a single job training and placement program into a regional hub for economic security programs.

For more information, visit https://www.opportunityjunction.org/careers/administrative or https://www.opportunityjunction.org/careers/cna-training.

Interested job seekers can also attend drop-in information sessions, held every Monday at 10 a.m., at OJ’s Antioch office, 3102 Delta Fair Blvd. For details, contact Annabelle Villanueva at [email protected].