City’s Job-Training Manager Retires to Round of Applause

After nearly 14 years of helping others find jobs through city programs, Marge Pritchard on Friday retired from her own position.

Pritchard, 60, manager of the city’s job-training program, has been instrumental in establishing programs that helped everyone from teens seeking their first jobs to laid-off aerospace workers.

“She’s made it one of the outstanding programs in the nation,” said Bob Cashman, chairman of Anaheim Private Industry Council, which oversees the federal employment and training funds for the city.

Pritchard, who has 31 years of experience in private and public employment and training programs, will continue as a private consultant for the city on job issues.

During her tenure, Pritchard said her goal was always to “get as many people in high-paying jobs as quickly as possible to reduce the unemployment rate and assist as many low-income adults and youths to bring them out of poverty and into self-sufficiency.”

Pritchard said her job has been gratifying, especially to see job seekers “find some success in their life. That’s the most rewarding for me.”

Ruben Aceves, who has worked 19 years with the program, has been appointed temporary manager.

Pritchard’s accomplishments include the creation of a one-stop center where job seekers are linked to potential employers, training programs and services.

She is also proud of the city’s school-to-career programs, which reach out to teenagers to prepare them for careers. For information call (714) 254-4350.