Jesse is a former foster youth and high school drop-out who had never held a job before coming to EASTBAY Works and enrolling in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program for out-of-school youth. Since his enrollment, Jesse has completed GED courses, a customer service training, and a resume. He has learned how to effectively market his skills to employers. Jesse’s case manager also connected him with the Contra Costa County Independent Living Skills Program (for older and former foster youth) and First Place for Youth for additional support and resources. Jesse loves working with his hands and with the help of WIA Youth funds, he was able to pay the initiation fee to join Laborers Union, Local 324. He is now working full-time as a Period 1 Apprentice with Perse Construction at $17 an hour.
Jesse
