Education and Employment Services

Due to its seasonal nature and the variability of crop output, the agricultural worker occupation often suffers from high rates of unemployment and underemployment.

The National Farmworker Jobs Program (NJFP) serves agricultural workers and their families by helping them to gain higher-wage jobs in more stable careers. As the recipients of NJFP funds in California, La Cooperativa’s five member agencies fulfill this mandate through comprehensive education, training, and placement programs. Most programs are free to qualifying individuals.

For Adults

Educational Programming

Many jobs require English competency as well as a high school diploma or California High School Equivalency Certificate. To help our clients meet these qualifications, member agencies offer ESL and GED preparation courses.

Vocational and Career Training

We work with employers to train workers to perform the most-needed jobs in each region, increasing placement and long-term job retention rates.

Popular courses throughout the state include welding, general cooking, cashiering, truck driving, forklift operation, photovoltaic installation, and weatherization.

In some counties, we offer On-the-Job training programs to more directly serve the needs of regional employers and increase hiring of our clientele. Agencies reimburse employers for up to 50% of the cost of training new employees. These programs ensure the best fit of both skills and personality.

Placement Assistance

Dedicated staff within member agencies assist job seekers with the search and application process. Computers and Internet access are available for searching for jobs, completing online applications, and drafting resumes and cover letters. Counselors are available at every step, offering career choice guidance as well as interview tips and resume and cover letter editing.

For Youth

Some centers also partner with youth to meet their education and employment goals. These centers offer tutoring, mentoring, career counseling, gang prevention, and recreational activities.