Program Philosophy
After years running an after-school program, Lost Angels saw that local youth struggled most with taking the next step: finding, landing, and keeping that first career job. As shop classes vanished from public schools, young people became disconnected from opportunities to learn and explore the skilled trades. The Work Program was designed to give high-barrier young people a hand-up: paid vocational training in car restoration teaching transferable skills for aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing jobs. It pairs hands-on work with wraparound support that removes barriers (diploma, license, transportation, housing) so motivated youth can move from instability to a stable, living-wage career in a high-growth trade industry.
Started in 2019
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Youth 18-24 in LA County facing barriers to employment and career advancement, wanting hands-on trade careers
Typically 3 days per week, 7 hours per day, on-site in Lancaster. The first ~8 weeks are hands-on vocational training plus soft-skills instruction; the final ~4 weeks are paid on-the-job training as a skilled laborer. Students earn $18/hour for all 12 weeks, applying skills to real car-restoration and fabrication projects.
Trade skills, certifications, paid work experience, and job placement in aerospace & manufacturing
Cost & Outcomes
There is zero cost to students participating in this program. Participants earn $18/hour during on-the-job training for all 12 weeks of the program. The program is funded by government, philanthropy, and other donors.
Who This Program is Built For
This program was specifically designed with these communities in mind. If you see yourself, you belong here.
What Sets This Program Apart
Paid vocational training: students earn $18/hour as skilled laborers during on-the-job training, graduating with money in their pocket and experience on their resume
Real work on real cars: hands-on classic car restoration in a working social-enterprise shop, not a simulated classroom
Wraparound barrier removal: help with GED/diploma, driver's license, transportation, housing, criminal record expungement, food, and healthcare
Direct employer pipeline: graduates are interviewed and hired by partners like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, and BYD
Forklift, HAZMAT, OSHA, and sexual harassment prevention certification plus soft-skills training (resume, mock interviews, job search) included at no cost
Continued support: the program keeps working 1-on-1 with graduates until they are placed in a job, and for as long as needed beyond that
Day in the Life
- On-site hands-on vocational training 3 days a week, 7 hours a day, in a working restoration shop
- Instructor-led work in welding, fabrication, mechanics, electrical, auto body/paint, and composites
- Soft-skills and job-readiness workshops (resume building, mock interviews, professional communication, workshop math, financial literacy)
- Small cohort learning alongside peers, with case management and barrier-removal support
- Final weeks spent as a paid skilled laborer applying learned skills to real car-restoration projects
Industry-veteran instructors: lead welder with 10+ years in welding/fabrication, master mechanic with 15+ years, plus 3D-design/CNC and auto-body instructors; some are program alumni.
Soft and technical skills you'll gain by program completion.
Highs & Lows
Showing up every day with consistency and determination, passing random drug tests, and committing to a full-time schedule while overcoming personal barriers such as transportation, housing, and finishing a high school diploma or GED.
Working with their hands on real cars, earning a paycheck during training, and graduating job-ready, often walking straight into a living-wage aerospace or manufacturing career.
Graduates start in entry-level aerospace, manufacturing, and automotive roles (~$20-28/hour) and advance to skilled technician and higher-paying positions; some employers (e.g., Northrop Grumman) fund further education toward engineering degrees.
Employment Support
Active job placement: staff job developers connect graduates with employer partners and arrange on-site interviews
Career coaching: resume building, cover letters, mock interviews, and job-search support
Job-readiness workshops: professional communication, workshop math, and financial literacy
Barrier removal: help obtaining GED/diploma, driver's license, transportation, and stable housing
Ongoing support: the program continues working 1-on-1 with graduates until they secure employment
Hear From the Program
Founder & CEO
Aaron is a custom classic car builder who creates amazing, award-winning cars. He also has a passion for helping youth which stems from his own difficulties growing up and experiences with drugs and jail. After turning his life around, he pursued a passion for classic cars and started his own custom car restoration business. In 2014 Aaron founded LACC as an afterschool program to engage at-risk youth through mentorship and skills training in classic car restoration. Aaron’s goal is to provide young people with the tools they need to succeed and help open doors and opportunities that improve their quality of life. He thrives on teaching and empowering youth in our community to rise above their circumstances
How It Works
Submit the inquiry/application form on the Lost Angels Work Program page
An intake specialist calls you back to answer questions and set up your first appointment
Complete intake and application review with a case manager; eligibility and barriers are assessed
Pass an initial drug test (random drug testing continues throughout the program)
Begin the 12-week cohort with hands-on training and soft-skills workshops
Receive continued case management and job-placement support through graduation and beyond
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.No. There is no cost to students, and participants are paid during on-the-job training.
12 weeks, with four cohorts offered each year.
Ages 18-24.
No. Students start at all skill levels and learn hands-on from day one.
Yes. Staff actively help with the job search and keep working with graduates 1-on-1 until they are hired.
Yes. Random drug testing is conducted throughout the program to prepare students for industry careers.
Lancaster, CA (Antelope Valley), at 44528 Beech Avenue. You must be able to commute there.