HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7734 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY")UNCIL MEMBERS No. 7734
QTo the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 22, 1993
X
Subject: EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING DEPARTMENT RECEIVES
REGIONAL U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AWARDS
The Employment and Training Department of the City of Fort Worth dba The Working
Connection is the recipient of two awards from the United States Department of Labor
for operating superior employment and training programs.
At its seventh annual regional conference, the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment
and Training Administration recognized programs within Region VI which are
considered to be exemplary in terms of program design, and superior in terms of
demonstrated effectiveness.
The CONNECT Basic and Work Skills Program received the award for the category of
Back to Basics: Classroom Skills Training. The award was based on outstanding results
in retention of participants, enhancing the employability of successful completer$, and
creative program design features.
The Career Transition Center was the recipient of the award for the category of Putting
America Back to Work- Programs for Dislocated Workers. This award was based on
the unique one-stop-shop concept making comprehensive services available to
individuals who have been terminated or laid off (including defense conversion
adjustment projects), and on having demonstrated success under Title III of JTPA.
Classroom Skills Training Award
The CONNECT Program implemented by Willow Park Educational Services is a tiered
program that provides employability enhancement services designed to assist at risk in
school youth in their educational goals, life skills, and career/work plans. The program
has academic and summer components which provide youth with year round services
and assistance. The program goals are:
To improve basic skills (such as reading, writing, problem solving and
mathematics) via academic assistance and guidance activities.
To improve educational skills via Computer Assisted Instruction using Skills Bank
Instructional Software.
To improve math skills via the opportunity to take part in the Japanese math
program called KUMON.
To extend personal growth and awareness via group activities su as workshoDs
seminars as well as individual activites. OFFICIAL RECORD
CITY SECRETARY
FT. WORTH, TEX.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORI vv0F11M-, TEXAS-------
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY 0"')UNCIL MEMBERS AM% No. 7734
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 22, 1993
Page 2 of 3
ex Subject: EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING DEPARTMENT RECEIVES
1873
REGIONAL U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AWARDS
- To provide Career Instruction & Counseling in the World of Work
To use extensive assessment and diagnostic evaluation of each youth's academic
and aptitude skills.
To provide students with activities which are designed to help them assess
themselves in the areas of attitude and personality.
CONNECT began as a demonstration project three years ago. It was designed to be a
year round,program for participants. Students enter the program at age fourteen and
participate in school year and summer programs until they reach their sixteenth
birthday. The program provides a long term commitment/opportunity for students.
During the last program year, ending June 30, 1992, 59 of 60 students achieved positive
outcomes.
Putting America Back to Work Award
The Career Transition Center began in 1991 as a unique one-stop center for dislocated
workers laid off from General Dynamics. Funding for the program was initially
provided out of the Secretary of Labor National Reserve Fund in the amount of $1.1
million dollars for the period July 15, 1991 through July 31, 1992. The program has
proved so successful that it has been continued under Defense Conversion Act (DCA),
and other State funding and is now available to all dislocated workers served in the Fort
Worth substate area.
The Career Transition Center is operated by City of Fort Worth Employment and
Training Department staff and houses JTPA funded staff of the Texas Employment
Commission and Tarrant County Junior College thus providing a coordinated approach
to meeting the needs of the program participants. Under other funds, the facility also
houses a Small Business Development Office through which participants may pursue
entrepreneurial ventures. A Texas Employment Commission Trade Adjustment
Assistance Counselor is also on-site to enroll eligible trade affected individuals into the
Trade Adjustment Assistance Program.
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S- 1ORT8, TIX-
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY OOW UNCIL MEMBERS A"Rk No. 7734
PORTL To the Mayor and Members of the City Council June 22, 1993
Page 3 of 3
-®r6- 1- 5'
re-xx, Subject: EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING DEPARTMENT RECEIVES
ion
REGIONAL U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AWARDS
A full array of services are provided at the center including: a three day career
transition workshop which provides instruction in resume writing,job search strategies,
interviewing skills and labor market information; comprehensive assessment services;
vocational counseling; case management; and job placement. Readjustment services are
provided at company/plant sites for workers on the day they receive their 60-day
WARN (notice of lay-off) notification. These services begin with professional crisis
counseling. Other assistance is continued during the 60 day period until the worker is
actually laid off. Peer advisors representing unions and management are on staff to
assist workers through the program.
During the last program year, ending June 30, 1992, the Career Transition Center served
1,780 laid off workers. A total of 953 entered employment at an average wage of$12.20
an hour.
Bob Terrell
City Manager
OFFICIAL 7REC0.10
CITY SECRETARY
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FT. WORTH, TEX.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS