Industry Partners

A New Workforce Partnership in the Making in Santa Maria

The Santa Maria Center for Employment Training Division has launched a new and exciting workforce partnership. In collaboration with the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, CET will soon provide education and vocational training services to enrolled Chumash tribal members and their descendents.

On April 1, 2003, the Santa Ynez Chumash Indian Education Council unanimously accepted a partnership agreement with CET Santa Maria. Working closely with the Chumash Director of Education, Frederick R. Loveys Ed.D, CET staffers Gabriel Morales and John Diego signed a working memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two entities.

All tribal candidates referred to CET for vocational training will receive intake and orientation services. Upon acceptance for training, applicants will be awarded scholarships by the Chumash Indian Education Council, covering up to 75% of training tuition costs. For those who further qualify for Department of Education (DOE) financial aid, funding will be used to pay for the balance of their tuition and/or to assist enrollees with living expenses.

Tribal members will be eligible for the full array of short and long-term vocational training opportunities available in Santa Maria. Upon completion of training, graduates will receive job placement assistance.

Dr. Loveys has indicated that the council may someday want to pursue agreements where other Chumash communities have access to CET facilities.

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