There are several training programs in the Denver refugee network which can help refugees to gain skills and become employed. In addition to the training, all of these programs seek to find appropriate jobs for each individual. All are FREE for refugees who have been in the US for less than 5 years. If one of these programs would be good for a refugee that you are working with, please give the contact person a call!
Commercial Food and Safety Service Training (CFaSST)
Description: Learn the basics of food safety in order to be successfully employed in a commercial kitchen. This is a 90 hour classroom and hands-on in the kitchen training program run by African Community Center (ACC) and held at the University of Denver's Knoebel School of Hospitality Management.
Website: http://www.acc-den.org/what-we-do/training/cfasst/
Requirements: Intermediate English ability (CRESL Level 3+), willing and able to work in a commercial kitchen
Contact: Donna Kapp, Training Programs Manager, African Community Center (ACC), 303-399-4500 x331, donna@acc-den.org
We Made This
Description: WMT is a sewing and empowerment initiative for refugees in the Metro Denver Area. We specialize in up-cycle and handmade products made from donated and imported fabrics. WMT participants are empowered to become able, productive and contributing community members. Many possess skills, creativity and a desire to become seamstresses, artisans, sewing assistants and retail employees. This 90 hour training program is hands-on useing sewing machines and other tools and is run by and held at African Community Center.
Website: http://www.acc-den.org/wmt/ and http://www.etsy.com/shop/WeMadeThisDenver
Requirements: Low to Intermediate English ability (CRESL Level 1+)
Contact: Rachael Cox, Program Coordinator, African Community Center (ACC), 303-399-4500 x304, rachael@acc-den.org
Safari Thrift
Description: The Safari Thrift Employment Training Program provides adult refugees with 8 weeks of hands-on training with experience in retail and janitorial skills. Participants also learn about American work culture, workplace communication and other skills necessary for job readiness in today’s economy. This program is run by African Community Center at their very own thrift store--Safari Thrift.
Website: http://www.acc-den.org/safari-thrift/
Requirements: Low to Intermediate English ability (CRESL Level 1+)
Contact: George Serwenda, Program Coordinator, African Community Center (ACC), 303-722-4500, george@acc-den.org
WorkWise
Description: WorkWise is a pre-employment competency-based training for individuals with very basic English language skills and education history. The standard format is a four-week, 120-hour intensive course. This training combines core workplace values, such as critical thinking, time management and quality control with sector specific skills for a variety of entry level positions. Participants complete 4-6 service learning-work experience activities at neighboring companies and nonprofits in addition to their classroom based learning. This program is run by and held at Spring Institute.
Website: http://www.spring-institute.org/?action=employment
Requirements: Low English ability (CRESL Level 1-2)
Contact: Suzanne Saenz, Program Manager, Spring Institute, 303-857-5274, ssaenz@springinstitute.org
Women's Empowerment
Description: Women's Empowerment is a specialized pre-employment competency-based training for women with multiple barriers to employment. This class is generally held once/quarter in a two-week, 45-hour format with free, onsite childcare included. The training is open to women to with intermediate to advanced levels of English proficiency. While the core content is similar to WorkStyles, this training also focuses on ESL basics, stress management and practical work experience. Former program graduates are utilized as mentors and role models in the classroom.. This program is run by and held at Spring Institute.
Website: http://www.spring-institute.org/?action=employment
Requirements: Intermediate English ability (CRESL Level 3+), only women
Contact: Suzanne Saenz, Program Manager, Spring Institute, 303-857-5274, ssaenz@springinstitute.org