To secure the economic futures of local community members as well as the nation’s skies, a partnership has been formed between the Division of Adult and Career Education’s (DACE’s) Los Angeles Technology Center (LATC), the West Adams WorkSource Center (WSC), and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
“It’s a win-win-win,” says Mark Lawrence, DACE Navigator who serves as a liaison between the three organizations, “The WSC funds security training, LATC provides it, and the TSA offers qualified students a chance to begin well-paying, meaningful careers.”
Vincent Imamoto, West Adams WSC counselor agrees, “We’ve been planning this for over a year with Mark and our Program Coordinator, Mr. Louis Lewis. We’re really encouraged by the teamwork of our partners and the enthusiastic response from students.”
The course takes about two weeks and is taught by Lane Bragg, former US Army Airborne and LAPD Sergeant, and current owner of LJ Bragg Security Guard Training. According to him, “There are virtually endless opportunities in security right now. It’s booming.” Renee Hillman, the TSA’s HR Specialist adds, “The TSA is a great community and we’re always looking for good people to add to it. Many of our TSA officers even use their experience with us to start careers with other agencies such as Customs, Border Patrol and the Secret Service!”
This summer’s LATC security class reached its room capacity of 34 students almost immediately. The class now continues on an open-enrollment basis.
Photo: L to R: Mark Lawrence (DACE Navigator), Lane Bragg (LATC Security Instructor), Vincent Imamoto (West Adams WorkSource Vocational Counselor), Kelly Mejia & David San (TSA Officers) and Renee Hillman (TSA HR Specialist)