Many of these positions are more attractive to women than other technical jobs because they use technology as the tool in an endeavor that's basically artistic. Garcia, for example, who minored in art history in college, says the program's artistic element is what hooked her. In the final phase, participants work on digital-video projects for area nonprofit organizations. Participants say the training is rigorous. But the rewards are immense.
Some participants report that they're even being recruited by other potential employers.
So far, JobLink has trained more than 220 people. Its placement rate has reached into the high end of the 90th percentile this year. The culture is casual and favors productivity over credentials, it offers quick advancement based on results and freelance opportunities provide flexible working conditions for single parents and others who can't work full time. It has built relationships with employer companies, enabling JobLink to place graduates and to adapt based on client feedback, and it works with local community organizations for support services such as day care. This year, JobLink won the best practices award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.