First Impressions is recruiting now for the 2024 - 2025 cohort!

See links below for more information and details on how to apply.
 

Outreach Flyer

Referral Form

FAQ


First Impressions 2.0 (First Impressions) provides 6-months of paid on-the-job training in mechanical and machine maintenance through 3D printing, and customized training for essential jobs in hardware and home improvement stores.

During First Impressions participants will learn how to build, operate and maintain 3D printers while making COVID related personal protective equipment (PPE) for Behavioral Health Services Facilities and other front-line workers. First Impressions will include job readiness training, and introduction to Computer Aided Design and coding for 3D printer manufacturing. Participants will learn a marketable skill set while receiving paid on-the-job training and mentoring in order to secure competitive employment in the community post-program.

First Impressions is a collaboration between Citywide Employment Program and Behavioral Health Services (BHS). First Impressions is funded by Mental Health Services Act (Prop. 63) funding.

First Impressions provides participants with:
  • Six-months of supervised work experience paid at minimum wage
  • On-going job placement support, job preparation, resume building, competitive job placement and employment retention services
First Impressions participants will learn aspects of on-demand manufacturing including building, operating and maintaining mechanical systems like 3D printers. These hard-skills will not only be applicable to this advanced field but participants will learn:
  • Basic Machine Operations and Maintenance
  • Light Manufacturing and Assembly
  • Intermediate Skills in 3D Printing
  • Basic Measuring and Hand Tools
  • Computer Aided Design
  • Introduction to Coding for Manufacturing
  • Commercial COVID Cleaning Techniques (per CDC regulations)
The hands-on education above will be supplemented with industry specific training for COVID essential jobs in hardware and home improvement stores. This part of First Impressions will provide participants the knowledge to make them some of the most qualified job applicants for stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s and Cole’s Hardware. This phase of the paid – skills training will include:
  • Working in Retail 101
  • Safety at Work During COVID
  • Customer Service
  • Introduction to Power Tools
  • Lumber, Paint, and Electrical Department
  • Other Store Dept. Based on Local Hiring Demand
First Impressions’ services are intended to adhere to the Wellness and Recovery Model helping participants to holistically improve their mental health and wellness. These services are intended to provide meaningful activities that foster a consumer’s independence and increase her/his ability to participate in society in a meaningful way.

 

Wellness Promotion
  • An increase in consumer engagement in clinic and clinical services
  • An increase in client satisfaction with services
  • An increase in consumers who have learned marketable job skills in basic construction and remodeling.
  • An improvement in general mental health thru employment and esteem building
  • Increase in staff and provider moral