Who can participate in Job Connect Plus?
Job Connect Plus is open to adults 18 and older who are looking to work on their career-goals, whether that is changing careers, gaining employment, or achieving a promotion. This program requires that participants are available for both in-person and virtual meeting attendance. In-person attendance is a requirement to support the growth of networks among program participants.
How big of a commitment is Job Connect Plus?
This is a 12-week program. The anticipated time commitment for each participant is about 5-10 hours per week, which may include meetings, training, and self-directed work.
What type of activities are involved during the 12 weeks?
There will be an initial in-person meeting, along with 3 to 4 in-person training sessions over the 3-month period. Each week, participants will meet individually with their navigator, who is there to provide support, guidance, and motivation as participants work toward their goals. Participants will also complete self-paced training or tasks on their own time. Several 12-week sessions, or cohorts, are being offered in 2024 and 2025.
What does this program cover?
The program is tailored to the goals of each participant. Group training for all participants will cover the basics of resume writing, interviewing, making a career transition, and building networks. Participants will set goals related to their own objectives (for example, updating a resume or identifying a certification program) and will work with their navigator to identify strategies and resources for achieving those objectives.
Will I be guaranteed a place if I apply?
Unfortunately, space is limited. Each cohort can accept only up to 20 participants. Those not selected may apply for future cohorts or seek out additional services from Job Connect.
What happens during the 1-on-1 sessions?
Each participant is assigned a navigator, who is there to provide support, guidance, and motivation as participants work toward their career goals. Navigators will meet with each participant weekly. These 1-on-1 sessions will focus on goal setting and progress tracking. This may include review of challenges and successes in moving toward chosen goals, as well as other career-related topics participants. Each session should end with the participant choosing some steps to work on before the next session.
Where will in-person meetings be held?
At the Burbank Central Library Auditorium, located on the second floor at 110 N Glenoaks Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502.
What if I can’t make one of my 1-on-1 sessions or an in-person training session?
Participants are expected to make the utmost effort to attend all meetings and training session. Any absences should be reported to the navigator in advance to the extent possible. Repeated absences may result in a participant being asked to leave the program.
Can this program help me with job placement?
This program aims to support participants in achieving their career-related goals but is not a job placement service. Participants will gain skills that will make finding work or achieving promotions more attainable, as well as help them navigate the continually changing job market in the future.
I don’t have a computer or access to high-speed internet. Can I still participate in the program?
Yes. A limited number of laptops and hotspots are available for participants to use during the duration of the program. Distribution will be based on need.
What if I find a job while enrolled in the program?
Finding employment is always great news! Participants are encouraged to continue attending meetings whenever possible to maintain the benefits of the overall program.
What is the difference between Job Connect and Job Connect Plus?
Job Connect is the City of Burbank’s basic service for job seekers, offered via Burbank Public Library. It provides ongoing connection to job listings, public computers for job searching, and other services. Learn more here.
Job Connect Plus is a grant-funded program offering more intensive services for job seekers. It is currently funded through June 2025.