"A Solution to Your Entry Level Workforce Needs"

A Solution to Your Entry Level Workforce Needs

Presenters:

Aaron Valencia, Executive Director and Founder, Lost Angels Career Center

Laura Evans, Director-Job Development, Lost Angels Career Center

Imagine having access to entry level workers that are hungry to perform, show up on time, are committed to their company and don’t waste time on their phone. If this would make your life a little easier, learning about Lost Angels Career Center is a must.

We pride ourselves on selecting and developing skilled young adults ready to excel in the workplace. Our comprehensive training program is designed to meet industry standards, ensure that our graduates are equipped with the latest techniques and tools, and know and follow best practices. Each trainee undergoes rigorous hands-on training and is assessed on their ability to perform in real-life scenarios.

We emphasize both technical proficiency and soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, ensuring a well-rounded and effective workforce. We have close to a 100% placement rate with companies like Northrop Grumman, ITT, MS Aero and many others in the Los Angeles area. Based on feedback from these employers, our graduates have better attitudes, work harder, and outperform other hires. They contribute to company success from day one and in the years that follow.

Jennifer Rivera, HR Manager MS Aerospace, a LACC client, will be available to talk directly about their company experience and to answer questions.

Presenters

Aaron Valencia is the Executive Director and Founder of the Lost Angels Career Center (LACC). Aaron is a custom classic car builder who creates amazing, award-winning cars. He also has a passion for helping youth which stems from his own difficulties growing up and experiences with drugs and J*il. After turning his life around, he pursued a passion for classic cars and started his own custom car restoration business. Prior to starting LACC, Aaron volunteered at Grace Resources as a Hot Meal Leader for several years. Then he came up with an idea to help disadvantaged youth by teaching them how to work on classic cars.

In 2014 Aaron founded LACC as an afterschool program to engage at-risk youth through mentorship and skills training in classic car restoration. Each year, Aaron and his students built a different sweepstakes vehicle for the Ventura Nationals Car and Motorcycle Show to help sustain the program. LACC eventually moved into a new building and now includes a t-shirt silk screening social enterprise, and a work program for transition-age youth. For his efforts, Aaron won the CNN Hero award and has been featured on the Jay Leno Show, Miller's “We Build," Tekton Tools’ “Find What’s Real," and Lowrider Magazine’s "Roll Models."

Aaron’s goal is to provide young people with the tools they need to succeed and help open doors and opportunities that improve their quality of life. He thrives on teaching and empowering youth in our community to rise above their circumstances

Laura Evans brings over 40+ years of invaluable experience in HR, managerial roles, and workforce development. Throughout her extensive career, Laura has navigated the intricacies of the job market with precision and compassion.

At Lost Angels, Her profound commitment to empowering young people from underprivileged backgrounds is the driving force behind her work. Laura is dedicated to providing opportunities that can radically alter the life paths of individuals who have faced adversity. She believes in equipping them with the skills and support needed to achieve sustainable success.

Laura's strategic expertise and deep empathy ensure that every student at Lost Angels receives personalized guidance and access to employment opportunities that align with their talents and ambitions. Her unwavering advocacy and mentorship empower graduates to build promising careers and break cycles of generational poverty, making a profound impact on their lives and the broader community.

Host or Publisher The Aerospace & Defense Forum