The SVdP Champion Workforce helps people regain their footing and re-enter the workplace. The program provides meaningful skills development, part-time employment, case management, workforce readiness classes and job placement support. The Champion Workforce program enrolls 15 people every quarter, 60 people annually, with more than half of those gaining meaningful employment.

Champion Workforce participants meet with a workforce coordinator for a thorough inventory of their situation and an assessment of their skills. Many volunteer as interns at the Community Center to gain workplace skills and build a basic resume. Participants then choose one of several positions throughout the SVdP organization -- at the Community Center or in SVdP Social Enterprises – and sign up for interviews. Interviews for these part-time training positions are just like in the real world. Participants chosen for the positions must demonstrate that they are ready to do their best for an employer.

Throughout their part-time employment training, Champion Workforce participants also attend weekly Job Club sessions. These sessions focus on workplace readiness. Sessions range from reviewing workplace basics to customer service, building resumes to practicing positive interviews.

Volunteers often join the Job Club sessions to talk about their industries or a specific topic like dressing for success or working through problems with supervisors. Job Club participants also learn to review job listings and seek out employment resources.

Graduates of the Champion Workforce have taken important steps forward to re-enter the workplace. Some participants even leave the program before graduation for the best of reasons – they’ve gotten a job!

If you are an employer interested in the benefits of hiring from the Champion Workforce, please contact our Champion Workforce Coordinator at 510-877-9236.