| Many of the issues
in the inner-city are born of financial difficulty,
but one of the most pervasive is that of finding
gainful employment with long-term career potential.
One of the goals of H.I.S. BridgeBuilders is to
offer comprehensive training in a marketable skill
and then support the trainee through the process
of interviewing and employment.
Eye Glass Lab Technician
The cornerstone of our
employment-training program has been the ophthalmic
lab technician course offered at the BridgeBuilders
Eye Clinic. Students receive in-depth training
in the lab, classroom, and dispensary area. A certified
lab manager has trained more than 35 students since the start of the program; 27 have found employment.
Dental Lab Technician
Dental Laboratory Technician training will begin January 2008 in partnership with Bill J Priest Community College. Classes will be held at 5715 Pilgrim under the leadership of Ms. T. Justice.
Computer Technician
In October 2007, H.I.S. BridgeBuilders added another class to the employment-training curriculum, computer technician. Classes are held in Rhoads Terrace Housing Development Monday through Thursday, 10:00am to 2:00pm and at Turner Court Housing Development, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 5:00pm to 9:00pm. The Rhoads Terrace program focuses on computer programming, troubleshooting and repair, preparing students for certification and employment. The Turner Courts program focuses on computer basics such as Word and Excel as well as cartooning.
Charles Armelin, instructor, graduated from UCLA with a degree in Computer programming. He and his wife, Monica, began a computer company in 2003, C&C Computer Service, in New Orleans. Clients included the police department, New Orleans School Board and City Hall. After Hurricane Katrina, Charles and his wife relocated to Dallas and received a Habitat Home in the Bonton Community. BridgeBuilders is blessed to have such a talented and dedicated instructor.
Employment Training Partners
BridgeBuilders works
closely with Essilor USA, Wal-Mart and Southwest Lens Laboratories,
the University of Houston College of Optometry,
Stern Reed Dental Lab, ServingHIM Ministries (dental
clinic) and Dallas Housing
Authority to assure students receive quality training
in preparation for long-term employment. BridgeBuilders also works closely with El Centro Community College. The Opthalmic Lab Technician and Dispensing Technician program has been added to their Workforce program. Potential students are tested in preparation for acceptance into classes. After graduation, they are prepared for employment interviews with laboratories throughout the Dallas area.
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