Camarillo, Calif., November 10, 2004 - Work Training Programs, Inc., a Southern California human service agency, recently honored California State University Channel Islands and other employers for hiring employees with disabilities and economic disadvantages.
The WPC, founded in 1964, provides job training and job placement services to individuals who require special assistance. The organization provides a wide range of services, including residential, day program, and employment services with social, vocational, and independent living skills.
At its recent annual celebration in Thousand Oaks, the organization honored participating employers and employees/trainees. The University was represented by Raudel Banuelos, CSUCI associate director, buildings and grounds, Operations, Planning, and Construction, along with the eight University trainees currently working at the University.
CSUCI received recognition for hiring groups of workers in two categories, one in the integrated work group, or those training in entry level positions, and in the group supportive employment category, or those who hope to enter the competitive job market with different skill levels once they graduate from the WTP program.
“I'm really happy for our CSUCI trainees,” Banuelos said. “This is a great program that gives individuals real-life skills to succeed in employment opportunities. We're very glad to have this group of trainees. I enjoy working with them and encourage other Ventura County organizations and companies to become involved.”
Banuelos and each of the eight CSUCI trainees received plaques. In addition, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation acknowledging the University for providing job opportunities for people with disabilities.
“Employees such as CSUCI are honored for their progressive practices, for hiring individuals with varying degrees of physical, developmental, or emotional disabilities,” said Susan Sheppard, WTP corporate and group job developer. “The partnership we have with CSUCI and other area employers provides opportunities for our trainees to become gainfully employed in the community. We applaud their efforts that result in enabling our trainees to live and work as productive members of the Ventura County community.”
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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.