Transforming lives through a long-term career
The Worker Education and Resource Center (WERC) is a non-profit organization that for over 20 years has provided quality workforce development programs in partnership with public service and safety net employers in Los Angeles County.
WERC is a labor-management partnership with the Service Employees International Union Local 721, committed to high road programs that address equity, excellent public service, and career paths to stable permanent employment.
Changing Lives
Access to Employment
By partnering with the County of Los Angeles, WERC is building a more dynamic workforce that provides meaningful assistance to those individuals facing the greatest barriers to economic success.
Coaching & Support
We partner with community-based organizations that will provide coaching and encouragement, and provide intensive case management and trauma-informed services.
Transforming Culture
WERC is helping people obtain jobs that are transformative, providing a pathway out of poverty, as well as improved health and stability for these workers, and their families and communities.
Care Navigator Apprenticeship Program
Community Health Worker is a demand occupation, known by several names, that has evolved to meet the current needs of employers, the community, clients and patients.
WERC is very proud of our registered apprenticeship program that was developed in 2015 as a partnership with five federally qualified health centers in the County of Los Angeles, with generous support from the L.A. Care Health Plan and The California Endowment. This is the story of one successful apprentice.
Training Opportunity for
Peer Support Specialists
WERC is an approved CalMHSA training vendor and offers training for the Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification (80-hours) and Peer Services in Crisis Care Specialization (40-hours).
Click here to learn more.
Work for WERC!
If you would like to join our team, WERC currently has the following open positions:
- Project Developer
- Curriculum Developer
- Program Manager of Workforce Development Initiatives
- Program Manager of Supportive Services
Go to Career Opportunities to learn more.
Advancing Career Pathways
In 2016, WERC partnered with The California Endowment, LA County Second District, the County Fire and Mental Health Departments, and McCormick Ambulance to create the LA EMT (Emergency Medical Tech Program) with the goal of preparing young adults from South LA for jobs as EMTs, leading to jobs as firefighters.
Watch the inspiring story of one of LA EMT’s first graduates, Raul Cuellar, who is on his way to his ultimate goal of becoming a firefighter.
