The first class of 14 students are training at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, hoping to get new start in a promising career. They are part of Oak Cliff Works, a non-profit opening the door to new opportunities for residents in South Dallas.
Oak Cliff Works is what's known as a jobs connector program. It connects under-served populations in the southern sector of the city to workforce training programs and employment resources.
Oak Cliff Works has designed a Patient Care Technician program in partnership with Methodist Health System. The health care industry is growing in Dallas, and Oak Cliff works plans to supply that demand by building up a healthy workforce.
Members are focused on three areas within the southern sector of Dallas: Lancaster Corridor, the Education Corridor and the Red Bird Community.
Dallas City Council Member Casey Thomas, along with the Oak Cliff Chamber of Commerce, has been working on the program for two years. With the help of medical Methodist medical systems they were able to get classes started and students enrolled.
There is a waiting list to enroll into the program.
