100 JobTrain students graduate from the Menlo Park nonprofit’s vocational training programs

JobTrain, a nonprofit organization that provides job training and placement, will honor approximately 100 students graduating from its vocational trainings programs on Monday, Dec. 2. The graduation will be held at the Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center.

The evening will be led by Master of Ceremonies Siosiua “C2” Vea, Administrative Services Specialist at JobTrain, who is also a successful graduate of JobTrain’s program. The keynote speaker will be Roz Thomas, from TE Connectivity. Ms. Thomas is a longtime JobTrain volunteer and also the inspiration for JobTrain graduates finding employment at TE Connectivity.

Graduate speaker Ryan Añonuevo will share his story of how he overcame many obstacles in life and is now is on the path to a successful career. Ryan, a graduate of JobTrain’s Culinary Arts program, recently was hired by the Cheesecake Factory at the Hillsdale Mall in San Mateo.

Students will celebrate graduating from JobTrain’s vocational training programs in the following areas: Culinary Arts, GED preparation, Medical Office Assistant, Office Skills, Computer Wireless Training, Project Build, Medical Office Skills and Professional Health Care Worker training.

Nora Sobolov, Executive Director of JobTrain, says, “Unemployment is improving, but not for everyone. In the communities we serve, East Palo Alto, east Menlo Park and North Fair Oaks (unincorporated Redwood City), the unemployment rate ranges from  11.3% to 13%. JobTrain graduates are well prepared to find and keep jobs. Last year, 76% of graduates found quality jobs, and 12 months later, 88% were still working.”