Career Resources offers three training options: training for those who want to become an Asbestos Abatement and Hazwoper Specialist, training for those who want to pursue an Emergency Medical Technician, and those who want to receive a Microsoft Office Specialist.  Job search assistance is provided for graduates.

Prerequisite: Strive Attitudinal and Work-Readiness Training All participants must enroll in Career Resources’ STRIVE workshops before going on to occupational skills training. STRIVE prepares economically and culturally disadvantaged youth and adults to secure and retain permanent employment by instilling an understanding of the culture of work, a positive attitude, responsibility and good work habits. This is done through training, counseling, job placement and follow-up support. STRIVE takes place in a simulated office environment where participants are expected to adhere to an appropriate dress code, use appropriate language, and practice businesslike behavior.  They are expected to arrive on time and attend the program daily, forty hours weekly, for three weeks. STRIVE follows graduates for two years to ensure that they remain employed and follow a long-term career development plan.
 
Youth Option Summary

Asbestos Abatement and Hazwoper Certification:
The primary function of the Asbestos Abatement Program is to assure that the people working with asbestos are properly trained and the individuals performing asbestos removal comply with rules governing the work activity. These rules are designed to protect not only the individual employee performing asbestos abatement work, but also the general public that occupy the area or building in which the work occurs.

The Hazwoper course is specifically designed for workers who are involved in clean-up operations, emergency response operations, and storage, disposal, or treatment of hazardous substances or uncontrolled hazardous waste sites.


Emergency Medical Training:
American Medical Response (AMR), a well-known emergency care and ambulance transport company with operations in several states, has adapted its Emergency Medical Technician program to succeed in preparing out-of-school youth to pass the Connecticut EMT certification exam and develop careers in the healthcare industry. The course incorporates facilitated studying, a method that closely supervises the learning process and teaches students how to learn. The program is designed specifically to meet the needs of disadvantaged youth. The course is held in Bridgeport, for five weeks. This intensive program allows students to have ample interaction and study time while preparing for certification. This format was developed with feedback from an informal focus group, and existing students, using widely accepted educational principles.

Students who successfully complete the class and tests will be certified in American Heart Association Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Health Care Providers, Pediatric Education for Prehospital Providers (PEPP) Basic, and will be able to sit for National Registry examination for EMT-Basic Certification. Staff will assist graduates in finding employment in the health care industry.

Microsoft Office Specialist Certification:
The Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification is the globally recognized standard for validating expertise with the Microsoft Office. MOS certification acknowledges you have the expertise to work with Microsoft Office programs. MOS certification sets you apart in today’s competitive job market, bringing employment opportunities, greater earning potential and career advancement, in addition to increased job satisfaction. Office Specialist-certified individuals report increased competence and productivity with Microsoft Office programs as well as increased credibility with their employers, co-workers, and clients.