PBS Newshour
As automation spreads through the American economy, experts say its impacts will be uneven. Key factors in determining that effect include geography and race, but likely even more important is education. With the rapid pace of technological evolution, will job training be able to keep pace? John Yang reports from the Inland Empire of California as part of our new series, the Future of Work.
This project received $6,632,881 (44% of total) from a grant awarded under the TAACCCT program as implemented by the U.S. Department of Labor. This project is an equal opportunity employer/program with auxiliary aids and services that are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.
Carlos Lequerica is the Workforce Training Development Specialist at the Chaffey College InTech Center, He is responsible for coordinating all training funded by the Employment Training Panel (ETP). He also supports and coordinates incumbent workers’ professional, electrical, and mechanical training. Prior to this role, he served as a Financial Aid Advisor and Interim Dreamer Resource Liaison at Chaffey College. Carlos’ responsibilities included helping Undocumented students access financial aid and other resources available, building relationships with this student population, and ensuring students received the support they deserve.
Favorite Memory at InTech: My favorite memory at InTech happens also every day when I see the students’ faces leaving the InTech Center. Those faces of accomplishment and full understanding that they are getting closer and closer to their educational goal. Chaffey really transforms students’ lives through training and education.
Favorite Hobbies: Spending time with my loved ones, Cycling, Entertaining/Hosting Family and Friends, Playing and Watching Soccer
Phone: 909-652-6159
Laura Alvarado has been with Chaffey College for 18 years and joined the Economic Development team in January 2023. She has managed partnership programs delivering quality community college education in co-located environments such as prisons, adult schools, industry, and libraries for the past eight years. Most recently she implemented recently passed SB 554 (adult dual enrollment), at Chaffey College while presenting and consulting statewide guiding educational stakeholders in establishing programs. She is responsible for managing workforce development programs and services including apprenticeship/pre-apprenticeships, adult education, noncredit and grant-funded programs.
Favorite memory at InTech: Students stopping by my office when they learned I had a drawer full of snack and then feeling comfortable talking with me about their long-term educational goals.
Hobbies: Reading, running, hanging out with my kids
Jon Fox is the Manager of Employer Training and Development at Chaffey College InTech Center. On the InTech team since July 2018, Jon visits employers and builds relationships to help match them with services the InTech Center offers. As part of the Contract Education team, Jon helps coordinate workforce training funded by ETP (Employment Training Panel), and specifically deals with customized training projects for individual companies.
Favorite Memory at InTech: Walking by one of the classrooms down the hall from my office, and seeing a group of fifteen employees from a local manufacturer laughing and cheering each other on, as they participated in a “demo assignment” for a new skill they were learning in a communication training. Seeing learning be genuinely enjoyable for the participants (and instructor), made my role in coordinating it even more rewarding.
Favorite Hobbies: Coffee (roasting, precision brewing and definitely drinking), board games, guitar
Contact me about Customized Workforce Training!
customizedtraining@chaffey.edu
(909) 652-8492
Yvonne is the Employer Engagement Specialist at Chaffey College InTech Center. She joined the InTech team in October, 2021. Yvonne’s primary responsibility is to foster patnerships with industry employers to address the skilled workforce shortage by connecting a talent pipeline of highly skilled industrial electrical & mechanical pre-apprenticeship program trainees; soon to include mechatronics pre-apprenticeship program trainees, from which to recruit.
Favorite Memory at InTech: I am thrilled to help connect individuals whom, at one time, may have been unemployed and underemployed, find a new lease on life by gaining high-demand technical skills and an increased confidence as they enter the workforce earning a highly competive wage; a career pathway opportunity to help them provide for their family and contribute to the well-being of society.
Favorite Hobbies and Interests: Attending live jazz concerts and art festivals, traveling and sharing life experiences with my husband, family, and friends, and encouraging and supporting others to discover their life’s passion as they explore and live life to its fullest extent.
Preethi Talwar has more than 20 years of experience in managing work force planning programs, talent acquisition initiatives and successfully leveraging partner companies. She has managed workforce and economic development programs goals to achieve student and job-related outcomes.
Ashley Gonzalez is the InTech Apprenticeship and Workforce Program Coordinator at Chaffey College InTech Center. On the InTech team since December 2021, Ashley is responsible for various Apprenticeship projects and the coordination of a new pilot program to engage and educate youth on apprenticeship in the Inland Empire.
Favorite Memory at InTech: I’ve enjoyed getting to know all of our community partners and about the work that is making such a difference in the lives of so many people. Everyone has a passion to help others succeed and thrive in their education and careers. It is a really special community.
Favorite Hobbies: Spending time with family, running, reading, traveling and Disney days
Contact me about Registered Apprenticeships and the Apprenticeship System Navigator regional project!
phone: (909) 295-8007
Maria Carrera rejoined the InTech team in April 2022 at the InTech Center information desk. Maria is responsible for performing a variety of tasks in support of the day-to-day operations of assigned areas, assists students and faculty in the areas of admissions, registration, records maintenance, and classroom assistance, and works with other support staff as needs arise. She also helps students through the application process and throughout the program until the day of their graduation.
Favorite Memory at InTech: When I answer every single question, a potential student has, they tell me how much they appreciate me for taking my time and answering every question they had before they called. It leaves me satisfied knowing they were taken care of by one person.
Favorite Hobbies: Learning, listening to music, shopping, camping, trying new foods, and friend and family gatherings.
Contact me about Admissions!
maria.carrera@chaffey.edu
909-652-8488
Favorite Memory at InTech: Though I haven’t been at InTech for very long, a particular memory that sticks out is when one of our contractors came by my office to thank me personally for processing his invoice so quickly. Knowing that my work is having a direct impact on the contractors is so important and helps drive me to do the best work that I possibly can.
Favorite Hobbies: Cooking, trying new recipes, and gaming with friends.
Sheneui Weber has over 25 years of experience in developing innovative economic and workforce development programs and partnerships. She is skilled in interfacing between education and private industry, with strengths in entrepreneurial development, leveraging public-private partnerships, and creating programs focused on workforce and job creation outcomes.
Favorite memory at InTech: One of my favorite memories at InTech is hearing one of the graduates talk about how the pre-apprenticeship program made him a valuable candidate in the job market. This particular individual was happy to share his story about how the program afforded him several job opportunities because of his training. Before graduating from the program, he had a job making slightly above minimum wage. However, when he completed the program, three reputable companies offered him career opportunities that paid exceedingly higher than minimum wage.
Favorite Hobbies: Playing and coaching basketball, camping, and spending time with family and friends.
Pedro Molina is the Work-Based Learning Liaison at Chaffey College InTech Center. He joined the Intech Team in February 2020. Pedro is responsible for providing registered apprenticeship students assistance with hours and competency oversight. He also assists current students with soft skills training, paid internships, and support with job placement.
Favorite Memory at InTech: My favorite memory at InTech is giving graduates their certificates of completion. Seeing their faces filled with pride and joy as they have completed the first step in their career journey.
Favorite Hobbies: Slow-pitch Softball, Disc Golf, attending concerts, and Fantasy sports
Contact me about Registered Apprenticeships!
(909) 652-8491
Natalie Weaver is the Manager of Apprenticeship and Grants at Chaffey College InTech Center. On the InTech team since November 2016, Natalie is responsible for registered apprenticeship, working with the Inland/Desert Employers Apprenticeship (IDEA) Committee, and writing and managing grants awarded to the InTech Center.
Favorite Memory at InTech: When an InTech student was offered a full-time position at $22.81/hour at his internship site. This hard-working, intelligent student had been laid off from his previous job due to budget cuts, and hearing the joy in his voice when he found out he got a new career made what we do all worth it. Because of this job offer, he was able to continue supporting his family and completed a registered apprenticeship within two years, earning over $36/hour.
Favorite Hobbies: Hiking, playing slowpitch softball, traveling the country, and animal rescue
Contact me about Registered Apprenticeships!
(909) 652-8491
Irene Gishwiller is a Student Experience & Career Training Expert at Chaffey College InTech Center. She joined the InTech team in July 2013. Irene is primarily responsible for coordinating all Vocational Education training for Economic Development and provides job essential skills training to all of the InTech students.
Favorite Memory at InTech:
It brings me great joy to see the students learning and growing daily in class. I love it when they get their dream job and are on their way to success and doing great things in their lives.
Favorite Hobbies:
Hiking, shopping, travelling, reading, spending time with family and friends, and attending her kids sporting events.
Kelly Zwissler is the Workforce Generalist at Chaffey College InTech Center. She joined the InTech Team in December 2019. Kelly is responsible for the information desk and admissions at InTech. She assists with processing the student paperwork according to grant requirements. She works closely with the trainers and students from day 1 of class to graduation.
Favorite Memory at InTech: My favorite memory at InTech is EVERY time I hear that a student got a job because of their training. It shows that the dedication and persistence they undertook day after day to complete the training was more than worth it. It makes me think back to when I first spoke to the student (whether they called in, Zoomed, or came in person) to ask about the trainings we offer and how I helped answer their questions/guide them through admissions. Getting to be the person who the student may first speak to and guide them toward a life changing decision makes me feel happy for each and one of their successes.
Favorite Hobbies: Traveling, History, and Crafts.
Contact me about Admissions!
909-652-8487
Jennifer Arroyo is the Administrative Assistant at Chaffey College InTech Center. She joined the InTech Team in February 2018 but has been part of the Economic Development Department since November 2016. Jennifer assists the grant leads in executing the trainings provided to our students by managing the contracts for the trainers and budget management.
Favorite Memory at InTech:
I cannot pinpoint a favorite memory because it continuously happens that I get to hear how the InTech Center is changing lives in our community. Employers give their testimonials how we provided training to their workers and improved their business and on the other hand we hear how students get a second chance at a fulfilling career. Working behind the scenes but seeing the big picture gives meaning to all the paperwork and makes me proud to be part of such an amazing training center.
Favorite Hobbies: listening to music, traveling, playing basketball, photography, being a volunteer youth mentor
Contact me about becoming an InTech Trainer
(909) 652-8476
Jackie Rivera is the Workforce Training Liaison at Chaffey College InTech Center. She joined the InTech team in March 2020, Jackie is responsible for the administration paperwork of the ETP (Employment Training Panel) contract and the coordination of all the trainings funded by ETP. Jackie also supports and coordinates the professional, electrical and mechanical trainings for incumbent workers.
Favorite Memory at InTech: My favorite memory at InTech is attending my first pre-apprenticeship graduation, listening to the stories of each trainee and how the program brought hope and excitement to their lives. Seeing the impact and lifelong friendships made through the program brings so much joy and I am thrilled to be a part of the experience.
Favorite Hobbies: Hiking, Cooking, Cycling, Card Games, Spending Time with Friends and Family
Contact me about Employee Training! jackie.rivera@chaffey.edu
Steve is employed at the InTech Center as an Instructional Assistant. Steve’s duties include assisting instructors and students in and out of the classroom; keeping classrooms and training equipment in working order; helping to promote the programs that InTech has to offer; and anything in between!
Favorite Memory at InTech: Watching students graduate from our programs!
Favorite Hobbies: Dirt bike riding, hiking, fishing, and anything with my 140 lb Chocolate Labrador, Jack!
Susan Bishop an Educational Program Assistant in the Economic Development Department of Chaffey College. On the Chaffey team since December 2009, Susan is responsible for managing the many multiple budgets within the Department as well as assisting the Director with her schedule and other tasks.
Favorite Memory at Chaffey: When a woman who was a single mother on cash aid, overcame many obstacles to complete our Vocational Education class. Not only did she complete the program, but she got a good paying job and was able to support herself and her children for the first time ever. It was so rewarding to see this woman and her family’s lives transformed.
Favorite Hobbies: Cooking, entertaining, gardening, reading & animals
Jennifer Poe McDaniel serves as the Lead Data and Project Manager for Chaffey College at the Industrial Technical Learning Center (InTech), joining the team in 2015. She works regionally to upskill and train individuals in high-skill, high-wage careers. Currently, Jennifer is the lead for all youth programs and special project implementation, such as Building and Energy Systems Professionals, Conventional Machining and Additive Manufacturing, working everyday toward the betterment of the Inland Empire region.
Favorite Memory at InTech: There are so many memories to choose from. I loved the GRAND OPENING. The excitement, the buzz, the community uniting. I also love seeing my youth students promote and complete their programs, as well as continuing their education. But I think what I love most are the graduations! Meeting the families that we’ve impacted and hearing the stories of their success and recognizing that all of our “behind the scenes” hard work is making a difference – that’s my favorite on-going memory. Seeing them come back and tell us about their new job or house or how their other family members are now motivated because of them…those are the memories I cherish. Those are the memories that will last a lifetime.
Favorite Hobbies: Drawing, painting, designing, CREATING! Rodeo, all things animals, off-roading and traveling.
Contact me about Conventional Machining, Additive Manufacturing and Youth Programs!
(909) 652-8477
Debbie Smith is the Economic Development Administrator at the InTech Center. Debbie has worked in the Economic & Workforce Development Departments for 19 years, overseeing the day-to day operations of grant/contract-funded training programs. Previously she worked at Baldy View ROP teaching Hotel/Food Service Management classes, and prior to that she worked in hotel management for more than 15 years.
A Mentor Coordinator position was created for Debbie at Chaffey College in 2000 when she was first hired. She developed a program that matched students with mentors from the business community within their program of study. For example, an accounting student might be mentored by a CPA or a student going through criminal justice classes might be matched with someone from the parole or probation division in order to experience ‘a day in the life’ for these careers.
Favorite Memory at InTech: A student who had received training at InTech and was being hired at almost $23 per hour stated that I was the one who conducted his training intake and interviewed him for the program. He said, ‘I still remember you asking if I liked to work with my hands, and if I had ever taken anything apart like a clock radio?’ He said he did like to do that work but that his previous job was doing paperwork, and it didn’t offer that much opportunity.
Favorite Hobbies: Spending time with family and pets, travelling, and gardening.
Contact me about our unique and accelerated programs!
(909) 652-8483
Sandra Sisco is the Director of Economic Development and oversees the daily operation of the INTECH Center. Sandra has over 10 years’ experience developing public-private partnerships with industry through contract education regionally and statewide. As Director, Sandra ensures that Chaffey College remains at the forefront of business and industry’s needs through the INTECH Center as a regional training facility that is “designed by industry for industry.”
Favorite Hobbies: Hiking, wine tasting, spending time with family.
Karena Jimenez is the Grant Liaison at Chaffey College InTech Center. On the InTech team since June 2016, Karena is responsible for the administration of the ETP (Employment Training Panel) contract and the coordination of all the trainings funded by ETP. Karena also supports and coordinates the electrical and mechanical trainings for incumbent workers.
Favorite Memory at InTech: My favorite moment at InTech is when an ETP-funded training participant expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the workplace English training because it had improved his confidence in the workplace. Not only did it help him in his work life, but it even allowed him to feel less self-conscious with his own kids as well.
Favorite Hobbies: Cooking, Baking, Music
Contact me about Employee Training!
(909) 652-8490
Linda Burton is the Business Liaison at Chaffey College. She has been on the team since October 2015. As part of the Vocational Education team, she is responsible for building and managing relationships with business and students to coordinate internship opportunities; referring students to appropriate community resources; providing coaching and mentoring; providing case management and other professional development training. Linda also helps upskill students, teaches computer, customer service, and team building skills, and advocates for students with legal, medical, housing and other services as needed.
As a trainer, Linda is certified in:
NCTI Crossroads, Prepare/Enrich, Within Our Reach, World Class Relationships for Work & Home, World Class Marriage, Everything DISC, and Five Behaviors of a Cohesive Team Facilitator Accreditation and Life Coach
Favorite Memory: Watching my students have a-ha moments during their training
Favorite Hobbies: Adventure sports
Contact me about Internships!
(909) 652-8488
Alan Braggins is the Deputy Sector Navigator (DSN): Advanced Manufacturing Sector, for the Inland Empire/Desert Community College Region, hosted at Chaffey College. He is a skilled and knowledgeable educator and business professional specializing in Technology Implementation, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Logistics Operations. He is an accomplished corporate instructor, extremely analytical and very strong in identifying and successfully obtaining cost reductions across the entire supply chain. He holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of La Verne.
Favorite Memory at InTech: How welcoming the staff and faculty make each individual feel.
Favorite Hobbies: Learning how to appreciate the subtle varieties of Craft Beer, exploring the United States via car or luxury liner, and playing card and board games with our extended family.
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