Justice, Care and Opportunities Department Partners with West Coast Customs for Exclusive 10-Day Car Customization Workshops at the LA Auto Show

LOS ANGELES — The Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD) has partnered with West Coast Customs Academy to present exclusive car customization workshops for 12 JCOD program participants from November 22 to December 1, 2024, at the LA Auto Show.

This workshop, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, is designed to give participants hands-on, introductory experience to several of the disciplines of automotive customization process.

Participants include 12 clients from JCOD’s Providing Opportunities for Women in Reentry (POWR), Reentry Care Management Services and Skills+Experience for the Careers of Tomorrow (SECTOR) programs, which provide case management and employment services to individuals involved in the criminal legal system.

Guided by the expertise of the world-famous West Coast Customs Master Craftsmen, JCOD participants will gain exposure at the LA Auto Show—one of the most influential auto showcases in the world, spotlighting the latest in automotive innovation, design and technology.

The workshop, scheduled each afternoon for four hours, offers a unique opportunity for individuals interested in the technical and creative car customization roles.

Once at the West Coast Customs Academy, program participants will cover various modules, including air brushing, upholstery, audio and working with wheels, tires and suspensions as well as the application of wraps and the reassembly of vehicles.

“This collaboration with West Coast Customs is an exciting partnership and reiterates our commitment to empowering our participants through unique, skill-building opportunities,” said JCOD Director, Judge Songhai Armstead (Ret.). “By merging creativity with technical know-how, this workshop provides a direct pathway to meaningful, good paying career opportunities within the automotive customization industry, allowing our participants to gain both confidence and new skills.”

Participants will not only develop valuable skills but also become top candidates for a more comprehensive training program being developed with West Coast Customs, through the West Coast Customs Academy, set to launch early next year.

Ryan Friedlinghaus, West Coast Customs Founder and CEO, added, “I could not be more proud of entering into this amazing partnership with JCOD. There is so much incredible talent out there just waiting for the right opportunity to either apply talent they may already have or learn new skills to hone that talent — we are here to be able to provide that opportunity!”

Additionally, the workshop will offer attendees a chance to network with industry professionals and connect with others who share a passion for automotive customization and technology.

About JCOD
The Justice, Care and Opportunities Department (JCOD) is the County’s central agency unifying LA County’s efforts to serve vulnerable justice-involved people and communities and drive forward the Board of Supervisors’ of a Care First approach. Our mission is to cultivate a person-centered coordinated continuum of care for vulnerable justice-impacted individuals and their communities. By leading collaborative system improvement efforts, we focus on prevention, diversion, and reentry to achieve community safety, well-being, and equitable justice. Visit jcod.lacounty.gov for more.

WEST COAST CUSTOMS ACADEMY
With an immersive and intricate curriculum developed by Ryan Friedlinghaus and instructional classes being taught at the West Coast Customs headquarters in Burbank, CA, the West Coast Customs Academy has already graduated three classes of emerging automotive artisans.  Taught by the Master craftsmen at West Coast Customs, WCCA students gain invaluable, hands-on training, through instructional classes, within specific automotive disciplines, all culminating with an actual final custom automotive project.

For additional information on West Coast Customs Academy, visit West Coast Customs Academy. For more on the LA Auto Show, visit LA Auto Show.

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