City of Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer visited Fresno EOC Valley Apprenticeship Connections and offered encouragement for participants. Dyer opened up to students about his journey to his position as mayor and reminded the class to stay committed to their goals in the program.
“We are happy to invite people like the Mayor because those are the changemakers in our community,” said Amalia Martinez, Program Manager. “Even though we open doors for participants to get training, certificates, job placement, and the soft skills they need, we want to highlight those that support the work we are doing locally.”
VAC’s partnership with the Fresno County Probation Department allows parolees and participants who have had to overcome challenges to get back into the workforce. Within the 12-week training program, participants earn nine certificates while meeting the City of Fresno’s National Targeted Hiring Policy and Tier I or Tier II requirements for contractors working with the High-Speed Rail.
“The students connected with what Dyer had to say, and I think they realized that he isn’t much different than they are,” Martinez said.
Dyer is one of a series of speakers VAC participants will meet in this cohort. As a longtime supporter, Dyer served on the Executive Committee of the Community Corrections Partnership and supported job training programs like VAC that give people a chance to change their lives.
If you or someone you know is interested in Fresno EOC VAC, please call (559) 263 – 1110 or click here.