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.
What types of training are available?
There are two categories of training: (1) Classroom, and (2) On-the-Job. Classroom training
traditionally requires 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 training, or wage assistance to an employer while you enrolled in an
on-the-job training program. With on-the-job training programs, the job is considered permanent when your training is
complete. All training programs are subject to limitations on duration and availability of funding.
What occupations will the program train me for?
Before decisions are made regarding eligibility, our Program Consultant will work with
you to assess what occupation will work for you. Assessment may include reviewing your
previous work history, academic level, aptitude, employment interests, financial and
living needs, physical abilities 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 duration and availability of funding.
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 needs are
met in order to reach your goal. 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 do very well during adult training.
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 a dislocated workers program, your training
expenses may be covered, however, you do not receive income for basic living expenses. If you are
eligible for unemployment benefits, you may be able to continue or extend claiming
benefits while enrolled in an approved training program.
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. Regardless of the training situation, you are expected to
attend regularly and perform whatever is legally required within your ability to
complete your training. We may assist you with whatever is deemed necessary by
the Programmer to help you complete your training.
What does the program pay?
If you are enrolled in an on-the-job training program, an employer 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 other training situations.
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, the most cost effective alternative 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 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. Employment
Consultants and Program 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 want training. I just want to get back to work. What do I do? The dislocated workers program requires that specific eligibility requirements be
met before enrollment can take place. 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 the
desired labor market, we may opt to assist you through our core services with job
development and placement. Or, we may provide you with assistance through other
agencies in order to help you get a new job. Your Program Consultant will discuss
your specific needs and determine if assistance is available.
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.
Call us today to
schedule an appointment with one of our Dislocated Worker Program Consultants.
Telephone 406-222-0520
