Probationers Train in Job, Life Skills

Probationers looking to hone certain trade skills can do so with the Probation to Work program. Probation to Work is a partner program with San Bernardino County's Workforce Development, offering intensive job skills and training to those on probation through weekly employment-readiness workshops teach probationers job readiness, networking and resume tips, interviewing skills and how to respond to questions regarding criminal convictions, among other skills. The program also offers classes offering certification in forklift operating and food handling, and a resource center allows probationers to utilize computers, fax machines and telephones to research and review current job listings. A probation workforce specialist is on site at each of the Day Reporting Centers, located in San Bernardino, Rancho Cucamonga and Victorville to facilitate the programs at each respective location. Over 100 people have secured employment through services at the Central DRC alone. In October, a job search kickoff for probationers was hosted at the San Bernardino Day Reporting Center. The goal was to help probationers with their resumes, practice job interviewing, and introduce them to a potential employer. Alex Vega, a Workforce Development Specialist with San Bernardino County who works at the Central DRC, recently shared this success story: A probationer, who will be referred to as WH, came through the Workforce classes in August. Vega said the probationer showed enthusiasm and drive, and was excited about making a change in his life. WH completed the session, built a resume, and immediately started looking for a job. Through an existing collaboration with 1st Class Staffing in Rancho Cucamonga, probation staff helped WH get an interview. WH was offered a full-time position as a laborer and with the assistance of the Central Day Reporting Center he was provided brand new steel toe work boots. WH started work on Aug. 11 and that same day he called Vega to say how grateful he was and how much the program had helped with his success. At the job, WH was punctual, dedicated, and had great work ethic. His employers said he was one of their best and was immediately recognized. One month into his laborer position WH was assigned additional duties to perform maintenance on the industrial washing machines. Just weeks after that, WH was out-performing the current Maintenance Manager, Vega said. WH was again recognized for his hard work and offered a new permanent position working directly for IFCO as a Maintenance Manager, replacing the person before him. WH accepted the full-time position as a Maintenance Manager and now works 60 hours per week with a maintenance crew underneath him. He told Vega he is happy to be able to provide for his daughter and become self-sufficient once again. “The difference we make here at the DRC is comparable to none,” Vega said. “This is one of many great success stories to come.”