Our goal is to transform lives through a long-term career in public service.

The Worker Education and Resource Center (WERC) is a non-profit organization that for 20 years has provided quality workforce development programs in partnership with public service and safety net employers in Los Angeles County.

WERC is a labor-management partnership with the Service Employees International Union Local 721, committed to high road programs that address equity, excellent public service, and career paths to stable permanent employment.

WERC conducts research and planning, develops curriculum, and provides dynamic, cutting-edge training programs and intensive case management.

New Training Opportunity for
Peer Support Specialists

As an approved training vendor, WERC is offering a new 80-hour training program for individuals interested in Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist Certification in California.

Click here to learn more.

Work for WERC!

If you would like to join our team, WERC currently has the following open positions:

    • Project Developer/Leads
    • Case Managers
    • Program Analyst

Go to Career Opportunities to learn more.

Workers in this video are transformed by their ability to be of service through a unique workforce development program and partnership with LA County departments that protect our health, land, coast and water. 

In June 2018, the Los Angeles Board of Supervisors directed WERC to implement the PLACE program (Preparing Los Angeles for County Employment), PLACE prepares people with high barriers to employment. 

Target populations for PLACE include individuals receiving County services, people living in economically disadvantaged areas, justice-involved individuals, transitional aged youth, homeless and housing insecure individuals, and underrepresented populations. 

Care Navigator Apprenticeship Program

Community Health Worker is a demand occupation, known by several names, that has evolved to meet the current needs of employers, the community, clients and patients.  

WERC is very proud of our registered apprenticeship program that was developed in 2015 as a partnership with five federally qualified health centers in the County of Los Angeles, with generous support from the L.A. Care Health Plan and The California Endowment.  This is the story of one successful apprentice.

Changing Lives

Access to Employment

By partnering with the County of Los Angeles, WERC is building a more dynamic workforce that provides meaningful assistance to those individuals facing the greatest barriers to economic success.

Coaching & Support

We partner with community-based organizations that will provide coaching and encouragement, and provide intensive case management and trauma-informed services.

Transforming Culture

WERC is helping people obtain jobs that are transformative, providing a pathway out of poverty, as well as improved health and stability for these workers, and their families and communities.

Since 2016, WERC partnered with The California Endowment, LA County Second District, the County Fire and Mental Health Departments, and McCormick Ambulance to create the LA EMT (Emergency Medical Tech Program) with the goal of preparing young adults from South LA for jobs as EMTs, leading to jobs as firefighters.

Watch the inspiring story of one of LA EMT’s first graduates, Raul Cuellar, who is on his way to his ultimate goal of becoming a firefighter.

My life has changed, I’m on a career path now. I can change my community. My family members are very proud of me.
Jason Jones
LA EMT Graduate
I always wanted to be in the medical field since I was a little girl, and now with this opportunity and the college credits, I’m on my way.
Marisela Moran
Certified Medical Assistant
I am so grateful to have this opportunity. Becoming a Nurse Practitioner will let me be even more proactive in bringing the community quality care.
Maria Berumen
Nurse Practitioner