10 | 2024 IMPACT REPORT Building Careers Through Experience: Jonathan’s Success with the Monterey County Works OJT Program The MCWDB’s On-the-Job (OJT) program offers job seekers a unique opportunity to earn a paycheck while gaining hands-on experience in their chosen field. OJT placements typically last about six months, providing participants with a pathway to develop skills and build their careers One recent success story is Jonathan Demers, who aspired to work in construction project management but struggled to find consistent employment. Our OJT team connected him with Ryken Construction, a company seeking someone with Jonathan’s interests and abilities. During his placement, Jonathan gained valuable experience managing project schedules, coordinating with subcontractors, ensuring safety compliance, and communicating with clients. He also developed hands-on skills, including framing, drywall installation, and site safety management. Jonathan’s responsibilities included ordering materials, resolving on-site challenges, meeting project deadlines, and maintaining high-quality standards. Throughout his placement, the OJT team supported Jonathan with regular check-ins, access to additional training resources, and guidance on navigating workplace challenges. The Monterey County Works team also facilitated communication with his supervisors, ensuring alignment on progress tracking and professional development goals. Ryken Construction’s leadership was so impressed with Jonathan’s performance and growth that they offered him a permanent position at the end of his placement. While not every OJT participant is hired by their placement employer, most gain invaluable work experience that helps them secure full-time, permanent roles in their field.
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