Community

Pyramid Business Systems Helps Oaklanders Find Tech Jobs

Published

8 years ago

February 25, 2016

When Brittany started attending the Pyramid Business Systems Telecom Tech program at Laney College this fall, she saw an opportunity to build her skills and find a job in tech, a field she already had an interest in.

In partnership with the Oakland Private Industry Council (PIC), the Pyramid Business Systems Telecom Tech program enrolled 15 students in August – all minority Oakland residents – equipping them with the skills to install wiring for phone and internet service to homes and businesses.

The program provides soft skills training for job seekers, teaching them about computer systems, cabling and wiring, and how to manage the networks that transmit information across the Bay Area.

Telecom Tech is just one of several programs available to clients at PIC, where job training, support and ultimately job placement and success is the end goal.

The Telecom Tech program guides students on team building, goal setting, time management and other desirable skills that employers seek.

The program training funds are sponsored by the Oakland Workforce Investment Board’s (WIB) Dislocated Worker Additional Assistance Project (DWAAP).

“We help students navigate the process between landing a job and their job assessment,” said Jed Silver, president and CEO of Silver CDS, LLC and recruiter for the Telecom Tech program.

Taj Jones-Kobayashi does some cabling in an office building. Photo courtesy of Oakland PIC.

Twelve of the 15 students in the program were placed in jobs by the end of their training.

“We help employers get those individuals who have soft skills training. We attach actual employers to the program; that’s why it works,” said Silver.

Two influential figures in the industry are program instructor James Sullivan, who has worked at AT&T for over 30 years, and John Polk of Pyramid Business Systems, who has 42 years of experience in telecommunications.

Sullivan’s approach is hands-on – taking students to work sites where they put their newfound skills to use.

“There’s a wide range of opportunities for me to use my knowledge in cabling and networking to get jobs in lots of places, not just office buildings,” said Taj Jones-Kobayashi, a student who will start working at AT&T this month.

The Telecom Tech program will continue in January 2016. The program is looking to enroll students who are: at least 18 years old, unemployed or underemployed, have an interest in technology, and a willingness to learn. No previous experience necessary.

For more information, contact Jed Silver at (510) 214-5405 or jsilver@silvercds.com.

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Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024

Published

7 days ago

April 26, 2024

Oakland Post

To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.

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Alameda County

DA Pamela Price Stands by Mom Who Lost Son to Gun Violence in Oakland

Last week, The Post published a photo showing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones, whose son, Patrick DeMarco Scott, was gunned down by an unknown assailant in 2018.

Published

1 week ago

April 22, 2024

Oakland Post

District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones

Publisher’s note: Last week, The Post published a photo showing Alameda County District Attorney Pamela Price with Carol Jones, whose son, Patrick DeMarco Scott, was gunned down by an unknown assailant in 2018. The photo was too small for readers to see where the women were and what they were doing. Here we show Price and Jones as they complete a walk in memory of Scott. For more information and to contribute, please contact Carol Jones at 510-978-5517 at morefoundation.help@gmail.com. Courtesy photo.

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City Government

Vallejo Welcomes Interim City Manager Beverli Marshall

At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, the Vallejo City Council appointed Beverli Marshall as the interim city manager. Her tenure in the City Manager’s Office began today, Wednesday, April 10. Mayor Robert McConnell praised Marshall’s extensive background, noting her “wide breadth of experience in many areas that will assist the City and its citizens in understanding the complexity of the many issues that must be solved” in Vallejo.

Published

1 week ago

April 22, 2024

Oakland Post

Beverli Marshall began her first day with the City on April 10. ICMA image.

Special to The Post

At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, the Vallejo City Council appointed Beverli Marshall as the interim city manager. Her tenure in the City Manager’s Office began today, Wednesday, April 10.

Mayor Robert McConnell praised Marshall’s extensive background, noting her “wide breadth of experience in many areas that will assist the City and its citizens in understanding the complexity of the many issues that must be solved” in Vallejo.

Current City Manager Michael Malone, whose official departure is slated for April 18, expressed his well wishes. “I wish the City of Vallejo and Interim City Manager Marshall all the best in moving forward on the progress we’ve made to improve service to residents.” Malone expressed his hope that the staff and Council will work closely with ICM Marshall to “ensure success and prosperity for the City.”

According to the Vallejo Sun, Malone stepped into the role of interim city manager in 2021 and became permanent in 2022. Previously, Malone served as the city’s water director and decided to retire from city service e at the end of his contract which is April 18.

“I hope the excellent work of City staff will continue for years to come in Vallejo,” he said. “However, recent developments have led me to this decision to announce my retirement.”

When Malone was appointed, Vallejo was awash in scandals involving the housing division and the police department. A third of the city’s jobs went unfilled during most of his tenure, making for a rocky road for getting things done, the Vallejo Sun reported.

At last night’s council meeting, McConnell explained the selection process, highlighting the council’s confidence in achieving positive outcomes through a collaborative effort, and said this afternoon, “The Council is confident that by working closely together, positive results will be obtained.”

While the search for a permanent city manager is ongoing, an announcement is expected in the coming months.

On behalf of the City Council, Mayor McConnell extended gratitude to the staff, citizen groups, and recruitment firm.

“The Council wishes to thank the staff, the citizens’ group, and the recruitment firm for their diligent work and careful consideration for the selection of what is possibly the most important decision a Council can make on behalf of the betterment of our City,” McConnell said.

The Vallejo Sun contributed to this report.