Employment and Training - Eligible clients may be placed in one of several contract employment and training programs, including:

Customer Service/Call Center Training - The Customer Service/Call Center program teaches welfare recipients basic office and computer skills, customer service skills, and call center skills. Training takes place in a real call center environment where students hone their skills making real calls for the call center during the work experience portion of the training. The eight weeks of work experience can also be listed on a resume as real work experience. Program graduates are qualified to obtain employment in a call center , or in a wide variety of clerical positions that utilize the clerical and computer skills learned in the course. Graduates who obtain employment achieve a higher quality of life that is more independent, productive, and meaningful. This program is a collaborative effort among Goodwill Industries, Bright House Networks, and the Kern County Department of Human Services (DHS).

BARC/IKEA - Contracted employment transporting customized wooden pallets manufactured and repaired by the BARC woodshop clients to IKEA Distribution Center in the south valley.

Customized Employment Options (CEO) Program - The CEO Program uses a person-centered planning approach to assist developmentally disabled individuals in imagining other employment possibilities that go beyond the typical sheltered and supportive work options. Unique jobs, businesses within businesses, micro-enterprise development, self-employment, independent contractor work, franchise development -- all of these are possibilities for employment that typically result in higher pay as well as increased independence, self-esteem, and quality of life for clients. This program is a collaborative effort among Goodwill Industries, Kern Regional Center, and the Small Business Development Center.