Promoting Financial Independence
La Colaborativa promotes financial mobility for community members through rapid re-employment, job search and placement, rigorous adult education, and workforce development programs in high demand industries including construction, healthcare, green energy, and digital technology.
Services include career readiness counseling, workforce development training and workshops, job search assistance, application and interview preparation, mock interviews, and a range of certification and education programs that support long-term success.
Through this continuum of services, participants develop essential work readiness skills, access education and training programs, secure employment, and achieve economic mobility through upskilling and continued growth.
Supporting Brighter Futures
The Workforce Development Pipeline targets residents facing challenges like limited work readiness skills, English fluency, adult learnership, or underemployment. We concentrate on bridging skill gaps to enhance job prospects within our community. La Colaborativa partners with various entities including community organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and government agencies to develop comprehensive solutions addressing the diverse needs of the Latinx workforce. Our year-round programs provide ongoing support from initial intake to skill enhancement, job placement, and beyond, ensuring a continuous pathway to success.
Workforce Development for Young Adults (Ages 18-25)
In response to the economic challenges our community faces, we’ve expanded our focus to serve young adults aged 18-25 who have graduated high school and are navigating their way into the workforce. This initiative is about more than just job training; it’s about helping young adults build the careers that will carry their families through tough economic times.
Workforce Development in Trades & Job Placement
Our workforce development program connects young adults with opportunities in skilled trades, vocational programs, and job placements. We help them develop the skills they need to enter sustainable careers in carpentry, HVAC, and the growing industry of greenjobs.
Carpentry
In partnership with our unions, we are not only preparing our youth for high-paying job opportunities in a field that values skilled, hands-on work, but also opening pathways to union membership, providing long-term job security, competitive wages, and comprehensive benefits. The program’s success is clear, this year, 8 out of the 10 youth who engaged in the program secured union jobs, transforming their financial futures and supporting their families economically. By empowering local talent, we ensure that jobs traditionally outsourced remain within the community, benefiting local contractors and companies, and strengthening our community by fostering a diverse, inclusive workforce for all.
The Results: Transforming Futures
Our work doesn’t just stay within the walls of our program. Over the years, we’ve seen our youth go on to become college graduates, artists, first responders, politicians and advocates. They return to Chelsea as mentors, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, ready to give back to the very community that helped them thrive.
Job Search & Placement
Our team helps support creating impactful resumes that highlight residents’ skills and experiences. Our programming offers comprehensive interview preparation and translation services to ensure candidates are well-equipped to present themselves confidently in interviews. Through one of our campaigns, Jobs Day, we collaborate with specific companies to promote employment opportunities and secure interviews for our community members. Our free services not only bridge language barriers but also empower individuals to navigate the job market successfully, ultimately leading to greater economic stability and well-being for families within our community.
Rapid Re-employment
Job readiness workshops are offered three times a week for 20 members per day. These workshops prepare job seekers to navigate employment applications, transition smoothly into new roles, and maintain stable employment. Training topics include resume creation, mock interviews, job research techniques, and application processes. Additional training focuses on teamwork, effective communication, problem-solving, work ethic, adaptability, and interpersonal skills. We also offer personalized appointments for members in urgent need of employment. Individuals in critical situations receive dedicated case management and comprehensive assistance.
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Certifications
Classes and certifications, including English classes at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels can make a tremendous impact. Our classes are free, culturally relevant, and  focused on English language skills needed for the workplace and economic advancement. In addition to English classes, we offer computer classes that help build technology skills needed to successfully research, apply for, and perform many jobs in today’s market. Upon successful completion, participants receive a Google Chromebook. 
