Workforce Development
RMA’s Workforce Development Program is committed to helping our residents find employment and a sustainable career – an important milestone in their recovery – through three core programs: Employment Readiness, Education, and Vocational Training.
Building Skills for a Stronger Future
Employment Readiness
We provide essential employment readiness services including resume writing, interview preparation, job search support, and financial workshops that teach budgeting and money management skills. Together, these tools help residents prepare for work and long-term independence. Residents are also offered a vocational assignment that gives them the opportunity to be of service in the community, a core component to recovery, as well as real, recent work experience.
Education
Internal research uncovered that up to 50% of our residents have not completed their high school diploma. Because education is vital to sustained employment, RMA launched our GED Assurance Program. Through the GED Assurance Program, residents are able to take online classes to earn their GED—building confidence, opening the door to better possibilities for our residents.
Enhanced Vocation Programs
RMA Ventura County's Enhanced Program is the vocational extension of our Life Recovery Program that focuses on one of four employment pathways: Security/Loss Prevention, Construction, Culinary Arts, and Retail Operations. The Enhanced Program provides industry specific training, real-life work experience, and opportunities for certification in a participant’s chosen field. This prepares our residents for future success while continuing to build on what they have learned during their time with us.
Culinary Arts
The Culinary Arts program is run by our own American Culinary Federation executive chef and provides experience in all aspects of running a large, high-volume commercial kitchen. This includes menu planning, food ordering and cost control, meal preparation and service.
Retail
The Retail Operations track provides experience and training as part of the team at our Thrift Stores. This involves many aspects of the retail business with an emphasis on production, receiving, and stock management. We also offer industry recognized courses in retail operations through the National Retail Federation's RISE UP training program.
Construction
The Construction program is overseen by a licensed contractor with 30 years of experience. This pathway teaches a wide range of construction and management skills so they can take a project from start to finish – from creating a materials cost estimate to HVAC to finish carpentry.
Security/Loss Prevention
The Security/Loss Prevention track, in addition to providing real-world training, also provides the enrolled men with 8-hour guard card training and an intensive 40-hour course leading to becoming a state-certified security guard.
What's New & Coming:
Learning Center
To expand our efforts in workforce development, a state-of-the-art learning center is currently under construction. The Learning Center will increase access to education, technology, and career training so that residents and employees can learn, grow, and prepare for their futures.
Get Involved!
Workforce development is a key component to RMA’s program, a part of the ‘last mile’ of recovery, helping residents find their calling and giving them the tools to be successful long-term. We couldn’t do this without the support of those in our community – volunteers play a vital role.
You can get involved by tutoring residents working toward their GED, serving as mentors, or teaching classes that share professional skills and real-world experience.
Every volunteer contribution—time, expertise, or resources—helps create pathways to education, employment, and lasting independence.
To get involved, please contact:
John Deary
Workforce Development Manager