News and Events
News and Information for students, parents, friends and the community proudly served by:
Comprehensive Training Systems Since 1985
Table of Contents
- Comprehensive Training Systems' Job and Resource Fair
- Money-$aving Programs offer Utiltiy Bill Relief
- 7 ways to cut your electric bill
- Comprehensive Training Systems Partners with Local Colleges to Train Out of Work People in the Medical Field
- Student success stories - Jessica Fuentes and Jorge Barragan
- Great Work! More Success Stories
Comprehensive Training Systems' Job and Resource Fair
“CTS at its Finest Hour”
Comprehensive Training Systems [CTS] wishes to convey its sincere appreciation and thanks to the many supporters who help make possible one of the most notable events among CTS countless triumphs, - ‘The Comprehensive Training Systems’ 2015 Job & Resource Fair’. CTS hosted its first formal Job & Resource Fair Wednesday, May 6, 2015, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The spectacular event took place at City Heights Campus. There were more than 25 employers and community organizations in attendance representing hospitals, clinics, health centers, skilled nursing facilities, employment agencies, and a diverse number of community resources from the county and private industry agencies. A number of community retail businesses and food establishments contributed generous donations toward the day’s social event and hospitality.
The job fair was designed to provide employers with opportunities to hire qualified job applicants. Our participants were at their finest. They were genuinely prepared to meet with recruiters and hiring managers. Each participant was immaculately dressed for success along with a professionally prepared portfolio.
The job seekers arrived early and eagerly waited in long-lines with great anticipation for the ribbon cutting by the President of CTS, Ms. Linda Blair Forth. The ribbon cutting ceremony was followed by the ringing of the “big red bell”, declaring the official opening of the job fair!
As the doors opened for the event, employers were greeted with an influx of highly motivated and enthusiastic job seekers. There were approximately 80-85 job seekers who attended the exciting event.
At the job fair, recruiters offered externships and volunteer opportunities to participants who were interested in gaining additional hands-on work experience - while during the same time period, four CTS job seekers were hired “on the spot”!
Towards the end of the event; as a gesture of appreciation to exhibitors, a twenty-five dollar gift certificate was awarded to the exhibitor whose business card was drawn. A CTS participant drew the name of the lucky winner, Exhibitor Veronica Mikho of National Conflict Resolution Center [NCRC].
The last grand and final element to the job fair was a request that each exhibitor complete a job fair evaluation form. Their honest input was needed to improve the job fair for next year. Each exhibitor’s evaluation was carefully reviewed with a positive open mind. After completing the math, CTS evaluation “report card” ranked 96% by exhibitors as a job well done by the CTS – Staff.
The job fair was designed to provide employers with opportunities to hire qualified job applicants. Our participants were at their finest. They were genuinely prepared to meet with recruiters and hiring managers. Each participant was immaculately dressed for success along with a professionally prepared portfolio.
The job seekers arrived early and eagerly waited in long-lines with great anticipation for the ribbon cutting by the President of CTS, Ms. Linda Blair Forth. The ribbon cutting ceremony was followed by the ringing of the “big red bell”, declaring the official opening of the job fair!
As the doors opened for the event, employers were greeted with an influx of highly motivated and enthusiastic job seekers. There were approximately 80-85 job seekers who attended the exciting event.
At the job fair, recruiters offered externships and volunteer opportunities to participants who were interested in gaining additional hands-on work experience - while during the same time period, four CTS job seekers were hired “on the spot”!
Towards the end of the event; as a gesture of appreciation to exhibitors, a twenty-five dollar gift certificate was awarded to the exhibitor whose business card was drawn. A CTS participant drew the name of the lucky winner, Exhibitor Veronica Mikho of National Conflict Resolution Center [NCRC].
The last grand and final element to the job fair was a request that each exhibitor complete a job fair evaluation form. Their honest input was needed to improve the job fair for next year. Each exhibitor’s evaluation was carefully reviewed with a positive open mind. After completing the math, CTS evaluation “report card” ranked 96% by exhibitors as a job well done by the CTS – Staff.
Money-$aving Programs
Offer Utility Bill Relief
MEDICAL BASELINE ALLOWANCE: If you use an electric medical appliance for medical purposes, you may qualify for significant discounts from the utility. LEVEL PAY PLAN: This payment plan offered by SDG&E uses an average cost of energy in calculating your monthly bill as way of curbing rate volatility. ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS: Voucher programs are available for those who can not afford to pay their utility bills. Funds are limited.
For more information call:
For more information call:
- MAAC Energy: (619) 428-1139
More than 12,000 people have begun new careers thanks to CTS.
SDG&E offers special rates for low-income customers. For one or two person residences, you must make under $18,200 annually; $21,500 for three. Add $4,300 for each additional family member.
7 Ways to Cut Your Electric Bill!
- Invest in a new, energy-efficient refrigerator: Refrigerators get less efficient over time. If your refrigerator is more than 10 years old, you can expect to save up to $15 per month on your electricity bill by replacing it.
- Turn down the hot water: If your water heater is electric, you can save significantly by turning down the temperature and wrapping the heater in insulating material.
- Use warm or cold, not hot, water when washing clothes: 80 percent of the energy used to wash clothes goes toward heating the water.
- Check large appliances before leaving for vacation: Remove perishable food items in you refrigerator before leaving. Unplug your fridge or turn up the temperature before leaving for extended periods. Turn off your water heater and check where your refrigerator is located. If it's near your stove or other heat source, it will use more energy to keep the contents cold.
- Set your A/C to at least 78 degrees, or higher, or use fans in place of air conditioning.
- Have SDG&E perform an energy audit: If your appliances are getting old, it's time to take advantage of your right to an energy audit. Your ratepayer dollars provide funding to have an SDG&E representative come out to your home and perform an audit on your electrical appliances.
- Get a Time-of-Use Meter: TOU meters let you save on energy rates if you use power outside off-peak demand times, which are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. You are charged higher rates for "on-peak" hours when demand is high. If no one is in your home during the day, getting a TOU meter can save you money.
Jessica Fuentes - Shines in classroom and new career as a Medical Assistant
Jessica Fuentes
My name is Jessica Fuentes. My job situation before attending Comprehensive Training was very stressful and uncertain. I worked in the retail-sales industry where strong competition in repetitive sales and quotas had become frustrating and almost intolerable. Unfortunately, I could not foresee any immediate opportunities for career growth. I knew there had to be a greater destiny in life for me. Eventually, the company had budget cuts and I was included in the number of employees who received a layoff notice. Receiving the lay-off notice was frightening at first. I know now, it was a blessing in disguise.
Early on in life, my career goal and interests have always been to work in my community and to help others. I could not think of a greater way to accomplish this goal than to work in the healthcare industry. During the time of my unemployment, I was having lunch with a friend and the conversation came up regarding my career goal for healthcare training. My friend told me about Comprehensive Training Systems’ medical careers. She told me it was a short and intensive training program. But best of all, she said the training might be free with job placement assistance. I followed –up on the information given and attended an orientation. Within two weeks, I was enrolled in the Medical Assistant program.
The Medical Assistant program at Comprehensive Training was my” career goal” come true. It was all I hope it would be and much more. During training, my instructor believed in my ability and never ceased to build confidence and character in the students – personally, this was a motivating and encouraging factor for me. I found the MA curriculum and skills at CTS were competitive with the medical industry and job market. The training provided me with excellent work ethics, “hands-on” medical assisting skills and confidence for my current position in the medical industry.
Not only did the CTS training program provide me with quality training, but also a Career Advisor who was there to support me throughout the program. My Advisor encouraged me with telephone calls, emails, and in person contacts when necessary to ensure my success and completion of training. My Career Advisor assisted me with the necessary supportive services to lessen the financial burden and stresses during my training. I received assistance for transportation, text-books, medical scrubs, interview clothing, food, and CPR certification.
The CTS Staff were professional and a great support throughout my program. After completing classroom/lab training, the CTS team assisted me with obtaining an externship to further my knowledge with hands-on skill building experience with patients outside of the classroom. The Job Developers and Mentors assisted me with resume development, job-application preparation, interviewing techniques, mock interviews, and employment networking with industry employers through personal contacts.
I have gained the confidence in my abilities to compete in the world of work. My newly acquired job skills and subsequent employment as a Medical Assistant provides me with economic self-sufficiency and career advancement opportunity. My life is now filled with hope and possibilities for future career mobility. I love working with the community and providing services as a Medical Assistant with Family Health Centers. Working at Family Health Centers of San Diego is rewarding and the staff is wonderful. I continued to learn new techniques, skills and continued improvement. Now, my goal is to further my career as a Registered Nurse.
Early on in life, my career goal and interests have always been to work in my community and to help others. I could not think of a greater way to accomplish this goal than to work in the healthcare industry. During the time of my unemployment, I was having lunch with a friend and the conversation came up regarding my career goal for healthcare training. My friend told me about Comprehensive Training Systems’ medical careers. She told me it was a short and intensive training program. But best of all, she said the training might be free with job placement assistance. I followed –up on the information given and attended an orientation. Within two weeks, I was enrolled in the Medical Assistant program.
The Medical Assistant program at Comprehensive Training was my” career goal” come true. It was all I hope it would be and much more. During training, my instructor believed in my ability and never ceased to build confidence and character in the students – personally, this was a motivating and encouraging factor for me. I found the MA curriculum and skills at CTS were competitive with the medical industry and job market. The training provided me with excellent work ethics, “hands-on” medical assisting skills and confidence for my current position in the medical industry.
Not only did the CTS training program provide me with quality training, but also a Career Advisor who was there to support me throughout the program. My Advisor encouraged me with telephone calls, emails, and in person contacts when necessary to ensure my success and completion of training. My Career Advisor assisted me with the necessary supportive services to lessen the financial burden and stresses during my training. I received assistance for transportation, text-books, medical scrubs, interview clothing, food, and CPR certification.
The CTS Staff were professional and a great support throughout my program. After completing classroom/lab training, the CTS team assisted me with obtaining an externship to further my knowledge with hands-on skill building experience with patients outside of the classroom. The Job Developers and Mentors assisted me with resume development, job-application preparation, interviewing techniques, mock interviews, and employment networking with industry employers through personal contacts.
I have gained the confidence in my abilities to compete in the world of work. My newly acquired job skills and subsequent employment as a Medical Assistant provides me with economic self-sufficiency and career advancement opportunity. My life is now filled with hope and possibilities for future career mobility. I love working with the community and providing services as a Medical Assistant with Family Health Centers. Working at Family Health Centers of San Diego is rewarding and the staff is wonderful. I continued to learn new techniques, skills and continued improvement. Now, my goal is to further my career as a Registered Nurse.
Jorge Barragan - Extremely successful at his career in Building Maintenance
When Jorge’s previous employment ended and looking for employment turned into many months without much success, he decided to turn his career around. He was guided in his quest for a new career by the South County Career Center which facilitated his entry into Comprehensive Training Systems' Building Maintenance Training. He wanted vocational employment training that would teach him the necessary skills for employment. Jorge embarked on a career that would lead to economic sustainability with high wages and in demand.
Jorge went about his training with the passion and a strong work ethic he had employed throughout his life. Jorge was given a supportive atmosphere, hands-on training, and the one-on-one and instruction in a work-simulated environment that is designed to prepare trainees for the workplace. Jorge was able to excel in this environment. In addition to the hands-on training Jorge received at CTS, he also learned how to sell his skills to an interviewer and how to go about the Job Search process. His occupational training was accompanied by CTS’s Employment Readiness Training where he learned interviewing skills, how to strategically job search, and how to retain a position and forge ahead for lifelong success in his chosen career.
Upon completion of his training, Jorge continued to show willingness and perseverance. By working closely with his CTS job developer, he obtained a position as a Maintenance Ambassador with the San Diego Downtown Partnership Clean and Safe-with whom he continues to be employed. His supervisors speak highly of not only his technical knowledge and ability to work on any project, but of his leadership, his positive example, his work ethic, and his excellent customer service skills which he employs daily with customers and with his teammates.
The Staff are pleased with Jorge’s success and wish him well in his new career! The doors are always open for Jorge and fellow graduates to share in their success.
Jorge went about his training with the passion and a strong work ethic he had employed throughout his life. Jorge was given a supportive atmosphere, hands-on training, and the one-on-one and instruction in a work-simulated environment that is designed to prepare trainees for the workplace. Jorge was able to excel in this environment. In addition to the hands-on training Jorge received at CTS, he also learned how to sell his skills to an interviewer and how to go about the Job Search process. His occupational training was accompanied by CTS’s Employment Readiness Training where he learned interviewing skills, how to strategically job search, and how to retain a position and forge ahead for lifelong success in his chosen career.
Upon completion of his training, Jorge continued to show willingness and perseverance. By working closely with his CTS job developer, he obtained a position as a Maintenance Ambassador with the San Diego Downtown Partnership Clean and Safe-with whom he continues to be employed. His supervisors speak highly of not only his technical knowledge and ability to work on any project, but of his leadership, his positive example, his work ethic, and his excellent customer service skills which he employs daily with customers and with his teammates.
The Staff are pleased with Jorge’s success and wish him well in his new career! The doors are always open for Jorge and fellow graduates to share in their success.
Imperial Beach Campus
497 11th Street, Ste 4, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Tel: (619) 424-6650
Fax: (619) 424-3255
497 11th Street, Ste 4, Imperial Beach, CA 91932
Tel: (619) 424-6650
Fax: (619) 424-3255
