Dislocated Worker Training Program
Do
you need training or other assistance to retain your current job?
Have you been laid off?
Are you under-employed?
Are you a displaced homemaker?
You may be eligible for assistance through the
Workforce Investment Act Dislocated Worker Training Program.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions.
How do I become eligible for the Dislocated Worker Program?
What types of training are available?
What occupations will the program train me for?
If I go into a training program will I be able to collect unemployment benefits?
I was not a good student in school. Will I be able to succeed in a training program?
How long does training last?
What do you require of me while I am training?
What does the program pay for?
How much money is available to me?
Do you find me a job after training?
I don't really need training. Is there other assistance available?
What do I get out of all this?
Does the Dislocated Worker Program assist with College tuition?
How do I become eligible for the Dislocated Worker Program?
The Dislocated Worker Program is NOT an entitlement program. Individuals that have been terminated or laid off, or have received notice
of termination or layoff; meet attachment to the workforce criteria but are not eligible for unemployment insurance and not likely to
return to a previous industry or occupation; has received a general notice of the facility closure within 180 days; or is a displaced
homemaker may be eligible for services under the dislocated worker program. A displaced homemaker, for dislocated worker eligibility
purposes, is an individual who has been providing unpaid services to family members in the home, has been dependent on the income of
another family member and is no longer supported by that income and is unemployed or underemployed and is experiencing difficulty in
obtaining or upgrading employment. Please note that even when meeting the criteria above, all program enrollments are based upon
sufficient program funding availability.
What types of training are available?
There are three categories of training: (1) Classroom, (2) On-the-Job and (3) Online. Classroom and Online types of training
traditionally require attendance at an educational or vocational institution providing skills through a specific curriculum.
On-the-job training means working at a place of business where you are paid while you learn. The Dislocated Worker Training
Program may provide tuition assistance for classroom and online types of training; while an employer you are working for who is
providing you with on-the-job training can receive wage subsidy for the time you are actually in training. With on-the-job training,
the job is considered permanent when your training is complete. All training programs are subject to limitations on the length of
training allowed and the availability of funding.
What occupations will the program train me for?
A variety of occupations are considered for training purposes. Before decisions are made however regarding your eligibility for the
program, our Program Consultants will work with you to assess what occupation will work for you and if the occupation is one in a
growing industry. Assessments can include reviewing your previous work history, academic levels, aptitude, employment interests,
financial and living needs, physical abilities, criminal history, any existing barriers to employment, and current labor market
conditions to determine if the desired employment is available in the area you wish to reside. All training programs are subject
to limitations on the length of training allowed and the availability of funding.
If I go into a training program will I be able to collect unemployment benefits?
Generally speaking, yes but ONLY if you are already collecting benefits and ONLY for approved training that is in a classroom or an
online setting. It is important to understand that being in an approved training program does NOT extend the time that you may collect
unemployment benefits, nor does becoming eligible for a Dislocated Worker Program approved training in and of itself make you eligible
to receive unemployment benefits. On-the-Job training falls under the same rules and guidelines for persons already employed.
You may not be able to collect any unemployment benefits in this type of training situation. Contact Montana Unemployment Insurance
for more information.
I was not a good student in school. Will I be able to succeed in a training program?
As part of the eligibility process for the Dislocated Worker Training Program, you may be subject to some testing of your basic
reading, math, spelling, language and other skills. Remember that our goal is YOUR success. We make sure that your individual skills and
abilities are suitable to your chosen field and training program to ensure your success. If testing indicates that you are deficient in
certain educational skills, additional education may be provided before formal training is started. Experience has shown that even
those persons who didn't think they were good students often can do very well during adult training with a little motivation.
How long does training last?
The main objective of the dislocated worker training program is to return the worker to productive, sustainable employment as quickly
as possible. Length of training is typically determined by the type of occupation and current skill level before training. Please note
that while you are enrolled in the dislocated workers program, your classroom or online training expenses may be covered, but you do not
receive wages or other monetary benefits from the State of Montana to cover your basic living expenses. If you are eligible for
unemployment benefits, you may be able to continue receiving or extend your benefits while enrolled in an approved training program. It
is your responsibility to have a sound training plan when you enroll in the program. This includes having your financial needs planned
for and securing the necessary resources that will help you get through your training period.
What do you require of me while I am training?
If you are enrolled in an on-the-job training program, Program Consultants will make visits to both you and your employer on a frequent
basis to insure that training is being completed as planned. Consultants are also available to assist with any problems that can occur.
In a classroom training situation, Consultants will meet with your instructor and ask for grades or progress reports, attendance sheets,
and any other documentation that shows your advancement with training. Regardless of the training situation, you are expected to attend
regularly and perform whatever is legally required to complete your training. We may assist you with whatever is deemed necessary by
the Program Consultant to help you complete your training.
What does the program pay for?
When you are enrolled in the dislocated workers program, your classroom or online training expenses may be covered, but you do not
receive wages or other monetary benefits from the State of Montana to cover your living expenses. If you are eligible for unemployment
benefits, you may be able to continue receiving or extend your benefits while enrolled in an approved training program. It is your
responsibility to have a sound training plan when you enroll in the program. This includes having your financial needs planned
for and securing the necessary resources that will help you get through your training period. If you are enrolled in an on-the-job
training program, the employer you are being trained by may be reimbursed for up to 50% of the hourly wage for a maximum of six months
depending on the occupation you are entering. Tuition, books, supplies and some other supportive services such as gas to travel,
motel/hotel stays, meals, uniforms, required medical exams and other expenses may be covered in certain other circumstances.
How much money is available to me?
Training costs are approved on an individual case-by-case basis depending on the type of training you are enrolling in. In all
instances, you will need to have a realistic employment plan showing how you intend on getting suitable employment in a growing
industry. When your plan has been approved by the Program Consultant, the most cost effective training method is chosen. Funding for
employment training comes from the Federal Government and/or State Government sources. All funds used for training and expenses must
be accounted for. As such, we are charged with being good stewards of available funds by spending in a reasonable and prudent manner.
Funding budgets and sources can change frequently and become very limited. In such cases, we may not have the necessary amount of
funds available in our budget to support your training needs. Layoffs and other related events generally have a large impact on funds,
reducing our balance amounts rapidly. Funding is not guaranteed year after year.
Do you find me a job after training?
Generally speaking, No. The only person who can really get you a job, is you! We will happily try to assist you with searching for and
obtaining a job by providing you with our normal core services such as resumé preparation, job searches and planning, job referrals,
interviewing and application preparation. Workforce Consultants sometimes work with a large number of clients and may have a limited
amount of time to work with you, so please call ahead to arrange an appointment.
We can help you to prepare an employment plan and
show you how to explore the job market with confidence. We may in some instances also provide job development opportunities by
communicating with employers that have an excellent reputation with Job Service. These tools are an excellent way of getting you
back to work in the shortest amount of time.
I don't really need training. Is there other assistance available?
The dislocated workers program requires that specific eligibility requirements be met before enrollment can take place. We understand that not
everyone who is eligible for the program goes into training, and not everyone who is eligible for training goes into the program. If
you have skills that are marketable in a desired labor market, we may opt to assist you with our core services which may include job
development, placement and possible relocation assistance. Core services consist of activities such as determining eligibility to receive assistance under WIA Title I,
outreach, intake and orientation to the information and other services available through the one-stop delivery system, initial
assessment of skill levels, aptitudes, abilities, and supportive service needs such as child care, transportation and other
services as appropriate; job search and placement assistance, relocation assistance and where appropriate career counseling; provision of employment
statistics information relating to the local, regional and national labor market areas; and provision of performance information
and cost information on eligible providers of training services, youth activities, adult education, post-secondary vocational
education, vocational education activities available to school dropouts, and vocational rehabilitation; and information regarding
filing claims for unemployment compensation. ALL individuals may access “core” services through the one-stop centers and
affiliate sites. Or, we may provide you with assistance through other agencies in order to help you find and obtain a new job. Your
Program Consultant will discuss your specific needs with you and determine if appropriate assistance is available to help.
What do I get out of all this?
First and foremost, you receive the opportunity you need to obtain and maintain productive,
sustainable employment. You can develop, plan and achieve your job goals with help from our professional
Employment Consultants. We understand your personal needs, and have first-hand knowledge of the available
resources and how to use them to your best advantage. The dislocated worker program exists to help
individuals like you get back to work, because dedicated and skilled workers are critical to the good
social and economic health of our society. Occupational re-training and placement of dislocated workers
is thus, a top priority. By helping you get back to work, we can minimize or eliminate the chances of
you and your family suffering a major impact on your lifestyle.
Does the Dislocated Worker Program assist with College tuition?
In some specific situations, the Dislocated Worker Program may provide limited assistance with college tuition and book fees. Generally
speaking, the program's aim is to assist workers with becoming re-employed in the shortest possible amount of time. Since most college
degrees require continued participation for one to four years or more, this type of training plan is commonly rejected due to cost and
program length. Successful training plans typically involve more short-term options that bring the worker the necessary knowledge,
skills and abilities to get work in a desired occupation in a reasonably short period of time. Workers that desire to pursue college
degrees or other college programs are encouraged to apply for PELL grants and other available student financial aid options to help pay
for your college training. For more information about student financial aid, please contact your school's financial aid office.
Call us today to
schedule an appointment with one of our
Dislocated Worker Program Consultants.
Telephone 406-222-0520
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