Employment & Training Center

Union Mission's Employment & Training Center, (ETC), provides supportive employment services, work and life skills training to the homeless and at risk population in Savannah. These supportive services include employment readiness training, placement assistance, follow-up services, professional work training and life skills training.

The program works in conjunction with the Department of Labor, Coastal Workforce Services Board, and Goodwill Industries to implement the Workforce Investment Act.

ETC in collaboration with Savannah Technical College also offers two certified Technical Certificate of Credit work-training programs:

Culinary Arts
The Culinary Arts Program is an 18-week curriculum that provides culinary arts theory and life skills training in a classroom setting, and hands-on-training through the operation of the Starfish Café. Graduates of this program obtain professional training and employment opportunities that lead to livable wage incomes that assist in their transition into self-sufficiency.

Landscape Management
The Landscape Management Work Training Program is a 14-week curriculum that provides professional training in landscape management, design and basic horticulture care.

Results:
As of January 2005 ETC Work Training Programs have…

• Enrolled over 400 students in 25 Culinary Arts classes.
• Graduated over 200 professionally trained Culinary Arts students.
• Placed over 150 Culinary Arts graduates in jobs with an average wage of $7.47/hour.
• Enrolled 34 students in 2 Landscape Management classes.
• Graduated 18 professionally trained Landscape Management students of which 12 have been placed in jobs with an average wage of $9.40/hour.

Employment & Training Center Services:

Employment Readiness Training
Job Search & Placement Assistance
Follow-up & Retention Services
Life Skills Training
Professional Work Training
Basic Computer Skills Training
GED Preparation and Testing
Transportation & Childcare Assistance

Employment & Training Center Total Results 2003

Making the Difference (Words from program participants):

"I went to the ETC, registered and was referred to Life Skills classes. This was exciting because it seemed like a new world. The presenters were down to earth and the staff was easy to relate to. It was not hard to get a lot out of it. It was a new experience for someone to take time out with me. In the past I did not think about anybody but myself…in a negative way. It meant a lot to be listened to. Now I can hold my head up and say what's on my mind, people listen to me and do not cut me off before I can finish my sentence as if they were thinking for me. This fills me with joy that I am succeeding at something for me."
A.O., Employment & Training Center Client

"Self Exploration taught me how to get motivated, set goals on my good job, apply what I learned in Job Search class, dress well and be confident. Now that I am working I set goals, plan how to save and spend. And knowing my rights I am now seeking affordable housing at affordable prices."
F. J., Employment & Training Center Client

"The Life Skills Program at ETC has taught me how to be more responsible and how to face obstacles that have held me down for so long. My outlook on life and my self-esteem are better. I am able to face the public and speak openly about my life story so that it will be a help to someone else. The programs at Union Mission have given me back the hope that I can do anything I set my mind to. I am truly thankful for the love and encouragement they have given."
Leila, Culinary Arts Graduate

"The program prepared me for the reality of the field [Culinary Arts]. I was able to develop a good work ethic and learn how to work as part of a team. The Life Skills component taught me how to manage stress and maintain a positive and professional attitude. This program is great, I wish I could go back and do it again!"
Terrell, Culinary Arts Graduate

"Walking through the doors of the Union Mission have opened up many doors for me. Being able to be a student in the Landscaping class is another miracle in my life. It has allowed me to build my self-esteem and self-confidence."
Marlene, Landscape Management Graduate

"Thanks to the program and its staff, I now have a better view of where I am and where I want to go. I now know that I can reach my goals."
Dennis, ETC Client & Culinary Arts Graduate

Contact Information

Ailerua Crawford
Program Director

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