SAN DIEGO–Workshops for Warriors, a nonprofit school assisting veterans who are transitioning into civilian life through advanced manufacturing training, certification and career coaching, announced it received a $75,000 grant from Wells Fargo.
“We’re extremely grateful to Wells Fargo for their commitment to social responsibility and for selecting our organization as a grant recipient. These funds are vital to our being able to provide training to veterans seeking to make a better life for themselves,” said Hernàn Luis y Prado, Founder of Workshop for Warriors. “It’s an honor that we were given the largest grant to date and we’re thrilled to have such a reputable company supporting our efforts.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data released in June 2015, California currently has the highest levels of veteran unemployment. In 16 months, Workshops for Warriors’ graduates earn the credentials they need to gain viable employment. There are more than 2 million open manufacturing jobs in the U.S. because employers cannot find workers with the advanced manufacturing skills needed. For example, one Fortune 100 company in San Diego alone has 186 manufacturing, welding and assembly positions open with more than 1,500 positions open nationwide.
“Workshops for Warriors’ veterans are living proof that when you get proper training and support, a transition into civilian life can be successful,” said Brian Lee, North San Diego Area Bank President. “At Wells Fargo we believe we can only be successful if the communities in which we do business also succeed. We are proud to support Workshops for Warriors and all of their efforts to help veterans gain a better quality of life.”
Founded in 2008 as a workforce training and career coaching facility, founder Hernàn Luis y Prado founded the organization after 15 years of active duty service as a U.S. Navy officer with combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. He recalls, “I saw more of my fellow service members die of suicide and drugs in San Diego than die from bombs and bullets in Baghdad. I needed to change that.” From 2011 to 2015, Workshops for Warriors trained more than 200 veterans and wounded warriors, all of whom obtained jobs in advanced manufacturing immediately after completing their programs.
