Program Philosophy
The financial services industry offers stable, upwardly mobile careers, yet many qualified candidates never get a foot in the door due to lack of formal training and industry connections. BankWork$ was designed to bridge that gap — giving motivated job seekers the banking knowledge, professional skills, and direct employer relationships they need to launch a career in financial services, starting from entry level and building upward.
Started in 2006
Visit program website
Adults with customer service backgrounds seeking stable careers in banking and financial services
Classes are held Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Banking fundamentals, customer service mastery, employer interviews guaranteed, entry-level finance career launch
Cost & Outcomes
This program is completely free for all participants. No tuition, no fees, no hidden costs. The required background check is paid for by the program.
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
Zero-cost training paid entirely by banking employer partners and foundations
Guaranteed interviews with Southern California's top banking institutions upon graduation
Curriculum covers both technical banking knowledge and professional soft skills
Math and reading assessments ensure program-readiness and set participants up for success
Career counseling and guidance provided after job placement
Technology support (e.g., Chromebook) available for online training components
Day in the Life
- Instructor-led classroom sessions covering banking fundamentals (sales, products, accounting, technology)
- Career-building workshops (resume writing, interview skills, customer service, communication)
- Math and reading skill building
- Cohort-based peer learning environment
- Online or in-person format depending on cohort
Instructors with backgrounds in banking, financial services, and workforce development.
Soft and technical skills you'll gain by program completion.
Highs & Lows
Passing the math and reading assessments required for enrollment; adjusting to the fast-paced, customer-facing demands of banking culture
Direct access to leading bank employers; gaining professional confidence and career-readiness skills; the trajectory from entry-level to supervisory roles as demonstrated by alumni
Entry-level tellers and bankers can advance to branch supervisor, personal banker, relationship manager, or loan officer within 5–10 years. Some graduates move into regional management or specialized financial advisory roles.
Employment Support
Guaranteed employer interviews with banking partners upon graduation
Direct connections to Southern California's top banking institutions
Career coaching and job placement assistance
Career counseling and guidance after job placement
Hear From the Program
Went from working as a bank security guard to becoming a member services representative inside the bank.
How It Works
Submit online application at jvsbankworks.org
Receive phone call from BankWork$ recruitment team
Complete math and reading assessments
Screening and eligibility review
Criminal background check (paid by JVS SoCal); acceptance conditioned upon passing the background check
Enrollment into next available cohort
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find what you're looking for, feel free to contact us.Free — program is paid for by employer partners and funders.
No — training is free but unpaid.
Not guaranteed, but we have a 80%+ placement rate; and you're guaranteed an interview with an employer when you complete the program.
No, but 6 months of cash-handling customer service experience required.