Residents across southeast Los Angeles County cities, including Long Beach, can now visit a new website to learn about training and education program opportunities across the region.
The Gateway Cities Council of Governments and a coalition of agencies, community colleges, adult schools, training centers, apprenticeship programs, community organizations and education partners have launched “Gateway Cities Hub,” a website that brings together more than 30 workforce training and certification programs across 27 cities.
The platform is focused on helping local talent find industry-recognized credentials, support and a clearer path to better jobs all in one portal, according to a press release.
“Through this platform, we are bringing government, education, workforce and community partner resources together into a one-stop shop so residents can easily navigate the wide array of job training programs available to them,” Frank Garcia, president of the Gateway Cities Board of Directors and a Maywood Council member, said in a statement. “Gateway Cities Hub provides individuals with one source to find programs that match their goals, skills, and budget so they can take practical steps toward a better future.”
Officials said they created this platform to address a longstanding challenge faced by local educators and workforce leaders. While quality training programs were available throughout the region, the population lacked a central resource to easily discover and access them.
Through “The Hub,” local talent can access programs that are free or low-cost, the press release said. Some include stipends paid to students during training. The courses currently span four sectors: green jobs, healthcare, logistics and technology. It also includes local government jobs, as well as short-term certificate programs, GED preparation, longer-term training options, career counseling and ongoing job placement support.
Green jobs include programs such as preparing candidates for careers in solar installation, electric vehicle and alternative fuels service, building electrification, urban forestry and conservation, environmental compliance, and water systems, according to the press release. Partners include the Conservation Corps of Long Beach and the Los Angeles Conservation Corps, alongside community college and adult school certification tracks.
In the healthcare industry, prospects can prepare for roles such as medical assistant, pharmacy technician, EKG technician, certified nursing assistant, phlebotomist and community health worker.
Training is available for careers in welding, electrical fundamentals, automotive technology, supply chain and warehouse operations, and commercial driving, all tied to the broader logistics economy anchored by the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, the press release said.
Residents can also pursue training in computer systems and applications, Cisco-certified network installation, IT support, computer repair and cybersecurity fundamentals.
The website was developed through a Catalyst Grant awarded to the Gateway Cities Council of Governments from the California Jobs First Initiative, sponsored by the California Community Foundation, the press release said.
The Gateway Cities region is one of L.A .County’s most important economic engines, officials said. It is home to major transportation infrastructure, port-connected industries, manufacturing capacity and educational institutions. The region provides one out of every seven jobs in Southern California, according to the organization.
Participating cities include Artesia, Avalon, Bell, Bellflower, Bell Gardens, Cerritos, City of Industry, Commerce, Compton, Cudahy, Downey, Hawaiian Gardens, Huntington Park, La Mirada, Lakewood, Long Beach, Lynwood, Maywood, Montebello, Norwalk, Paramount, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, Signal Hill, South Gate, Vernon and Whittier.
Long Beach City College and Conservation Corps of Long Beach are two of the Long Beach organizations that participate, officials said. Long Beach’s Workforce Innovation Network also participated in the collaborative.
“The Hub” does not yet list all the opportunities currently available in Long Beach, but some that are currently listed on the site include an electric and hybrid vehicles certification, solar installation and maintenance and Cisco-certified network installation associate through LBCC, and the Corps Program through Long Beach Conservation Corps.
“Long Beach City College is proud to be part of this initiative,” Gita Runkle, interim vice president of workforce and economic development at LBCC, said in a statement. “For the first time, residents across the Gateway Cities – including Long Beach – have one clear place to start their career journey. Through The Hub, they can connect to training programs, credentials and support that can open doors to better jobs and long-term economic mobility.”
Other local workforce organizations interested in participating in the collaborative can reach out to Aileen Qin, project manager at the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, at aqin@gatewaycog.org to learn more about opportunities with the Gateway Cities Regional Workforce Development Collaborative.
For residents to learn more about the training and education programs, visit the website at gatewaycitieshub.org.