It's a common problem when it comes to finding your first job - you need to have experience in order to get experience.
But Urban Corps San Diego is looking for San Diegans with no prior work.
The nonprofit is hosting the first of four job fairs Wednesday, seeking 18-to-26 year old San Diegans who don't have a high school diploma. It's trying to fill up to 50 spots for people to improve the community, such as by removing graffiti or recycling e-waste. People who are hired would work three days a week, and spend the other two days working toward their diploma.
"Whatever their case may be, they need a second chance to go back to school and learn job skills in the process and put their lives on a positive track," said Karla Arter, Urban Corps director of development and administration.
Workers get paid minimum wage for 24 hours a week, but there are opportunities for raises, plus other perks. Those include free meals, support, and career services. For instance, men who graduate get a free suit from Men's Warehouse to help them with future interviews.
Zoila Ramirez, 19, is four months from her diploma. She hopes to work with the city or stay on full-time and help others at Urban Corps.
"Anything having to do with graduating I'm pretty excited about," she said.
The job fair is 1 to 4 p.m. a Urban Corps' offices in the Midway District, 3127 Jefferson St. They repeat each Wednesday this month.
