Job Seeker Services

Education & Training

MEC provides education and training to job seekers who qualify for these services. Most of these opportunities are free; some may require a small fee. Our education and training partners--such as the College of Marin, Regional Occupation Program, Tamalpais Adult Education and the Small Business Development Corporation provide much of the training. If you participate in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Program, MEC may support the cost of training – up to $5,000 per client - if you enroll in a training program for an in-demand occupation. For information about any of these services call the MEC at (415) 473-3300.

Training Opportunities Information Session (TOIS)

The best way to learn about education and training opportunities is to attend the Training Opportunities Information Session (TOIS). Here, you will learn about the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and find out if you might be eligible for training services. You’ll also find out more about career planning, how to research labor market information and how to apply for training services. Sessions are the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month, from 1:30pm.
After attending a TOIS session a client wrote to us and said, "I wanted to let you know how incredibly helpful I thought the TOIS session was. If it was not for the work I had to do to gather information to fill out the forms, I would never have had the clear understanding of what will be waiting for me after school. I was lucky to find out that there are many different employment possibilities, career advancement opportunities and a salary range that is larger than I expected..."

MEC Education & Training Programs

The MEC offers a number of education, job training and skills training opportunities to better prepare you for your next job. Attend the TOIS to learn more about them, or contact the MEC for additional information.

Adult Education Opportunities

MEC can help job seekers attain a GED, become more fluent in English, or improve their ability to read.

Occupational Training Programs

MEC offers several programs geared toward specific occupations or specific skills.

Effective Communication in the Workplace: Customer Service Training Program

Tamalpais School District Adult & Community Education, a partner agency in the Marin Employment Connection, presents this program. Learn about these communications strategies:

  • Identifying personality styles
  • Key elements of communication
  • Essential practices of customer service
  • Difficult people and conflict resolution
  • Time management skills
  • A model for change
  • Understanding personal listening approaches

Participants receive a certificate upon completion of the program. Sessions are every other week, 9:00am to 3:00 pm (1/2 hour lunch), Monday through Friday. Classes are held at the MEC. No cost, limited seating. Call MEC to register for the next available class.

So You Think You Want to Start a Business?

This training is for individuals who have a business concept and have started the planning process, but are not currently operating a business. Once the training modules and your business plan outline are complete, you may begin working individually with a business advisor.

  • Module I: Planning, what to consider, and legal structure
  • Module II: Marketing and finance
  • Module III: Developing your business plan

The So You Think You Want to Start a Business series is held once monthly over three evenings, from 5:30pm-8:30 pm, at the MEC. The fee is $15 per module. Please call the Small Business Development Center (SBD) at (707) 524-1770 or visit the SBDC website at www.santarosa.edu/sbdc for current dates.

Customized Training Programs

Employers with groups of employees who require training can work with MEC to develop and implement these programs. Past customized trainings have included English as a Second Language in the landscaping, hospitality, construction and healthcare industries. Contact MEC Manager Racy Ming at (415) 473-3334 for more information.