Thursday, August 16, 2012

Women at Work

Last week I received a call from Patty Murphy of Women at Work. If you've been in Pasadena for any amount of time you probably have at least a vague idea of what they do there: train women and men in job skills and help them find work. They've been doing it, with great success, since 1979. Patty was calling to tell me about their new division called Training at Work, where they would come to my office and train my employees in job skills.

I've done everything I can to get Boz the pooch to learn Quickbooks and he flat out refuses, so I thought the best thing I could do would be to spread the word. So Patty and I set up a time for me to meet with her and Robin McCarthy, Executive Director of Women at Work.

A few days later while I waited in the lobby a man entered, approached the receptionist and offered to volunteer. That's a fine thing because there's plenty to do. Each Monday begins with orientation for those new to Women at Work, followed by the popular Job Club, with motivation and the "Hot Jobs List." Job Club involves a $2 requested donation, for which you can stay at Women at Work all day and use their computers to search for a job and even check your email.

The hot story now is the new division called Training at Work: "workplace training at our site or yours." As companies cut training budgets they still need employees who know what the heck they're doing. Women at Work can send a qualified expert to train your employees, and can tailor that training to  your company's needs.

Contact Vickie N. Campbell, Program Manager, at 626-796-6870 ext. 32, and qualified trainers will come to your place of business and train your staff in such skills as Business Communications, Customer Service, Project & Time Management, Social Media for Business, and even job-seeking. The W.A.W. folks can teach your employees how to use the various Microsoft Office programs, too. And as long as they don't behave like spoiled, overfed, elderly dogs, Training at Work can even teach them Quickbooks.

17 comments:

Adele said...

The new program sounds like it might help a lot of people. No help, I imagine, for spoiled, overfed, still-young cats?

Petrea Burchard said...

Adele, I'm afraid our pets are ruined for this program. But people who are willing to work will get a lot out of it!

LONDONLULU said...

Now that's a great sight, especially in this day and age - I like that it's targeted towards women! I hope they keep thriving, even if they can't do much for the 4-legged set.

LOLfromPasa said...

Ta, Petrea. I know 2 women in Pasadena who will be interested. Well done, for putting together a informative and very nice photograph.

Trish said...

in some respects, I'm glad Boz won't learn QuickBooks! Bad enough we outsource to far-off regions, can't imagine hearing it from the canines "You spent HOW much on carrots and chocolate THIS MONTH?!?!?!".

Great program, glad it is still going all these years later!

Pasadena Adjacent said...

I may be looking into this place from the training end. After the project is completed, I will be unemployed and without prospects...and begging Ann for a reference letter

Anonymous said...

Wow, since 1979? That's some track record.

Unknown said...

Women at Work helped me transition from stay-at-home mom back into the workforce back in 1988 or so. And I recently took a LinkedIn seminar there. They are great people!

Jane N Rollins

Petrea Burchard said...

They are really nice people with some great programs and they are for everybody (men, too). I have been out of the office workforce for a while myself, and there's no guarantee that my current freelance status will always support me. It's great to know there's a place where I can brush up my skills and access job listings, surrounded by other supportive souls.

Send your friends over, LOL.

Ann Erdman said...

I'm honored to be serving on the Women at Work board. It is a wonderful organization that truly helps improve people's quality of life. Thanks for spreading the word.

Robin sent an e-mail to board members a couple of days ago, sharing this note from a client:

I can't even begin to say how much I owe to the workshops, tools, etc. that Women at Work offers. Many years ago, my mother went there when she was between jobs and I was grateful to also be able to take advantage of them when I moved back to the area. Everyone there is so supportive. It's been a long journey, and along the way Women at Work has held me up, as it does for all who walk through its doors.

Bellis said...

Maybe I could get some training in using Twitter? On second thoughts, perhaps not - too many people seem to lose their jobs because of tweets.

Margaret said...

So good of you to spread the word. You are a treasure for Pasadena.

Katie said...

It must be so gratifying to be part of Women at Work. What a great concept! I'm lucky to have a job, but my skills are very specific and if I ever need to find a new job I would definitely need a place like this to help me get up to speed on the latest technology, etc. Although I hope to never ever have to learn Powerpoint!

Petrea Burchard said...

Way to go, Ann. This is a super use of your time and expertise.

Bellis, there's a lot to be said for social networking as a job skill. One walks a fine line.

Gosh, Margaret, that is a very nice thing to say. Thank you.

Me too, Katie! Most of my office software skills are in relatively good shape because I still use them (even Quickbooks). I'd probably just need to update my Twitter.

Louise Wannier said...

Thank you for spreading the word about the terrific programs. Best

Susan Campisi said...

What a great service. I wish I had some employees to be trained.

Petrea Burchard said...

My pleasure, Louise!

You will, Susan.