Omnitrans Named Employer of the Year 2015

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - Feb. 19, 2016 - PRLog -- Omnitrans is honored to be awarded Employer of the Year 2015 by the Inland Empire Job Corps program in San Bernardino.

The transit agency has hosted several interns from the program, which offers no-cost education and career technical training to people ages 16 to 24.  The certifications and experience students gain through Job Corps helps them improve the quality of their lives and teaches them skills they need in order to find meaningful jobs.

Over the past year, Omnitrans has placed interns in Human Resources, Facility Maintenance and Equipment Maintenance.

“We’re so pleased to have the opportunity to work with these young people and help mentor them in their fields of interest,” says Human Resources Director Marjorie Ewing.  “We have had wonderful experiences with our interns. They come in with a positive and professional attitude and quickly adapt to the demands of the job. I highly recommend Job Corps to any business considering an internship program.”

Business and Community Liaison Claudia Lopez is proud of her Center’s reputation. She explains that community partners like Omnitrans are an invaluable resource for the program.

“Most of the students we serve come from low income families, and many have never graduated high school. They come to us because they want an opportunity to change their lives, continue their education, and establish a meaningful career. Partners like Omnitrans help us to prepare these young people for the workplace, by providing them with real life experience that allows them to practice the skills they have acquired.”

The Job Corps program’s unique environment has provided its graduates a solid foundation for success. In addition to career training, a majority of students live on campus and are provided a living allowance twice a month and three free meals a day. They also have access to a Wellness Center that provides basic medical, dental and mental health services at no additional cost.

Fields of vocational career training include: Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Electrical, Office Administration, Medical Administrative Assistant, Certified Nursing Assistant, Landscaping, Painting, Plumbing, and Tile Setting.

Students also receive academic training, including basic reading and math and the opportunity to obtain their High School Diploma or their High School equivalency previously known as GED. Courses in independent living, employability, and social skills are also offered in order to help students transition into the workplace. The Center also provides assistance with job placement and continuing education.

Omnitrans Pass Sales Supervisor Diane Bojorquez graduated the Job Corps program in 1973. This year she celebrates 38 years in the transit industry and her 12th anniversary with Omnitrans.

“I graduated high school when I was 17-years-old, but couldn’t afford college,” she explains. “Job Corps was a great option to get more education for free.

“It was probably the best thing I ever did. I started off learning office administration and, later, focused specifically on transportation. Soon I was promoted to call center manager and later became sales supervisor. It’s grown into a career.

“I would definitely recommend Job Corps to anyone looking for financial stability, job opportunities, or help getting into college. The more you put into it, the more you get out of it. For me, the experience was life changing.”

The success of Job Corps impacts more than just the individual. It is also changing our culture.

“Job Corps is not only helping local youth,” says Omnitrans CEO P. Scott Graham. “It is also creating a professional job force that will help grow and revitalize our community. We are excited to be part of that process, and are honored to be awarded Employer of the Year.”