GET THERE. ONE JOB AT A TIME – NOW OFFERING FREE JOB SKILLS TRAINING NEAR YOU! If you are looking for your first job or returning to the workforce and seeking an entry-level job in the retail, leisure and hospitality, or services industries, the Walmart Foundation and SER-Jobs for Progress are now offering a FREE Job Skills Training through the One Job at a Time Program. The overall goal of the “One Job at a Time” project is to enhance the quality of job seekers competing in the labor market, while at the same time taking an individualized approach to the unemployment problem. The two-year grant will demonstrate that job seekers can receive short term, job skills training and credentials that will prepare them for jobs and gain meaningful employment. Ignacio Salazar, President & CEO, SER-Jobs for Progress National, Inc., states “that close coordination with the workforce center systems and employers in the affiliate areas will allow more than 3,000 unemployed individuals enter the labor market and position them for career success.” Salazar further states that SER Jobs for Progress affiliates have decades-long history of providing excellent workforce services, experience in operating or implementing workforce center systems, and have the ability to partner with employers and community resources. “By working with organizations like SER National and its partner affiliates, we can ensure that thousands of individuals actively looking to enter the workforce receive the job skills training needed to land the jobs that can be a launching point for a meaningful career,” said Karrie Denniston, Director of the Walmart Foundation. “At Walmart, we believe that entry-level jobs in industries such as retail can lead to endless opportunities, and we are hopeful that the people that participate in the project will use this as a starting point to what can be a long-lasting and impactful career.” Jerry Fuentes, SER National Board Chairman, said, “The board is very appreciative of the support from the Walmart Foundation and the award validates the accomplishments of SER National and its national network of affiliates.” Zeke Romo, Director of Network Initiatives for SER National and the person overseeing the project, says the training program includes the following: Workplace soft skills, wraparound services, math and English leading to a work readiness credential from the National Work Readiness Credential Council, a nationally-recognized group with validation from workforce investment boards and major employer organizations; Customer service training leading to a credential from the National Retail Federation Foundation; Financial literacy classes from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s Money Smart curriculum that will teach basic banking services leading to financial stability; GED preparation for some participants; and Job Placement. Romo adds that SER National and six affiliates will serve over 3,000 unemployed individuals during the two-year project. The end goal is to have a self-sustainable job skills training program by the third year through coordination with the workforce center systems, other workforce programs, and employers.