Over the past year, the team at PVJOBS, an employment opportunities nonprofit that provides cannabis career training aimed at breaking the cycle of the criminal justice system, has graduated and facilitated job placement efforts for 30 students.
PVJOBS, located in South Central Los Angeles, has operated since 1998, with this course conducted over eight weeks during spring 2023, with 22 students attending classes three days a week. Supported by the Hatch Multi Grant from PVJOBS, the Cannabis Pathways Reentry Program, most students found employment in cannabis or other industries. Others chose to create delivery or apparel startups.
In late fall through early winter 2023, approximately ten students participated in the organization’s sales career-focused course. Carlos Dew, owner of Superbad Cannabis Brand, led the course and facilitated site visits. Dew and his brand provided valuable connections and opportunities for students, including participation in trade shows, including 2023’s Hall of Flowers and Network Show, and job placement for several graduates.
Additional guest speakers introduced students to diverse career paths within the cannabis industry, including cannabis law, testing labs, cannabis tech, POS/payment processors, finance, city and state jobs, marketing, media, sales, branding, packaging, manufacturing, activism, and advertising. Notable speakers included:
- Jared Mirsky
- Luna Stower
- Ethan Bloomfield
- Rico Lamitte
- Ian Rassman
- Matthew Nordgren
- Brett Harrelson
- Chris Casacchia
- Colette Berube
- Felicia Carbajal
- Keith Nash
- Chet San
- Lance Lambert and many more
Site visits from Big Mike’s Advanced Nutrients, Cannabis Talk 101, and others provided essential on-site information. Throughout the course, students received stipends and free lunches.
Upon completing PVJOBS’s course, students were equipped with the insights to start cannabis brands with comprehensive business plans. The program also taught students how to secure jobs in cannabis or other industries, with lessons on resume writing, cover letter assistance, cannabis job postings, and access to hiring events.
The success of the program is not just a result of PVJOBS’s efforts, but also the support of partners like Amy Simpson from Humanity Heroes. Her engagement with PVJOBS students as volunteers has significantly impacted the program.
Image provide by PVJOBS
