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
Through the GED Assurance Program, residents are able to take online classes to earn their GED, building confidence and opening the door to better possibilities.
Enhanced Vocation Programs
RMA 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 trained executive chefs 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
Led by a licensed contractor with over 30 years of industry expertise, our Construction program offers a comprehensive masterclass in the building trades. Participants are trained to manage a project’s entire lifecycle—moving from initial material cost estimation to technical systems like HVAC, to the precision of finish carpentry--and much more.
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
Safety and integrity are at the heart of this track. Participants go far beyond the basics, completing both the foundational 8-hour Guard Card training and an intensive 40-hour advanced course. This pathway ensures that every graduate is fully prepared to become a state-certified security guard.
What's New & Coming:
Learning Center Ventura County
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