Protecting New York City is no easy task.  Do you think you’re up for the job? Then work in the security industry might be right for you.  Workforce1 Career Centers place people in jobs with security companies all the time.  Companies like Securitas Inc., a world leader in the security industry with offices in over 30 countries, and more than 200,000 employees worldwide. Employers like Securitas turn to Workforce1 because they know they can count on the candidates we send them. People like Cynthia Smith.

Cynthia Smith worked in home healthcare and as a teaching assistant for 23 years, but after raising her children she was tired of the same old work routine and ready for a career change.  She came to the Upper Manhattan Workforce1 Career Center looking for a fresh start.  Immediately after attending an orientation session and registering for services Cynthia began her job search.  “The Workforce1 Career Center staff was very helpful.  They asked what I was interested in and they were there for me every step of the way.”  Recognizing Cynthia’s extensive work experience, Workforce1 career advisors tapped into a pool of job opportunities with employers looking to hire new staff as soon as possible.  When Securitas was mentioned, Cynthia jumped at the chance to try out a job in the exciting security industry.  She’s been with the company ever since.  “The first day I came in to the Workforce1 Career Center they sent me out on an interview and I was hired. I came in on a Thursday and I started working on Friday, I couldn’t believe it.”

Cynthia’s story is not unique. Anibal Rodriguez worked in bookkeeping for 19 years, but decided last year he was ready to tackle a new challenge.  Not sure where to turn to for help choosing a new career, Anibal heard from a friend that a Workforce1 Career Center could help him out.  “The job market is tough right now,” said Anibal, “its hard to know where to look.”  Anibal came in for an orientation and began learning about job opportunities available through Workforce1 that he was interested in.  After exploring his options he decided on a security guard position with Securitas in a building on Madison Avenue.  Happy with his day job, Anibal also finds ample opportunity to earn extra money working over time shifts providing security at some of the City’s premier events and venues: Madison Square Garden, Yankee Stadium, Apollo Theater, the Country Music Awards.  “Last week I was assigned to the Black Eyed Peas concert at the Apollo.  Of course I was working, and I take my job very seriously, but you can’t help but enjoy being at an event like that.  It really makes you love going to work.”  

In constant need of new employees Securitas often reaches out to a network of referral sources to find qualified candidates to fill job openings.  Just ask Ulanda Garrett, an HR specialist for Securitas, “We are always hiring, constantly looking for new employees.”  But with so many candidates coming her way it can be tough to separate the good ones from the bad.  That’s why Ms. Garrett turns to Workforce1 for helping finding the right candidates.  “I don’t have to interview hundreds of candidates.  Workforce1 sends me only pre-screened, pre-qualified job applicants. I can count on the people they send me.”