Submitted by Terri Hiser-Haynes
April 1-June 30, 2010
1616 Chestnut Street, Susanville, CA 96130
(530) 257-5057
www.aworkforce.org
ALLIANCE FOR WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, INC.
BRIEFS LASSEN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
During the Lassen County Board of Supervisors regular public
meeting on April 20, 2010 AFWD's Human Resource Consultant, Terri
Hiser-Haynes gave the following report.
This report is done annually to update the Board of Supervisors on the One-Stop
Activity in Lassen County.
THE “CLEAN ENERGY WORKFORCE
TRAINING PROGRAM”
IS A HUGE SUCCESS AND PUTTING PEOPLE TO WORK
The Clean Energy Workforce Training Program is a grant funded program to train individuals in the “Clean Energy” construction trades. AFWD partnered with Butte College in Oroville to provide training scholarships to individuals interested in the green construction industry and provides them with a certificate when completed.
This 8 week long Pre-Apprentice training program trains individuals in 8 areas of Clean Energy: Intro to Construction, Environmental Training, Intro to Green Building, Energy Fundamentals, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Systems, Water Efficient Building and Retrofits, Solar Hot Water Design and Installation and Solar Hot Photovoltaic Design & Installation. Participants spent the first 3 weeks in hands-on learning while they constructed buildings using the “Advance Framing” technology. This type of framing uses less lumber and is more energy efficient. Participants, some for the very first time, were very excited to build something with their own hands and see the finished product and said it gave them a real sense of accomplishment. Sean Garcia, a participant from Lassen County stated “The math was difficult but I learned it and feel more than prepared for the exam”. A participant from Plumas County stated that he enjoyed the solar training the most and went on to explain how solar panels are made and sounded like a seasoned solar installer. When asked how much experience in Solar he had he stated “None, just this training”. The first round of training started on 3/22 and 3 participants just graduated with certifications. A second round of training started 4/22 and 5 more participants signed up and recently graduated and received their certifications! Instructor John Stallman states the students are learning a great deal and this training will greatly enhance their employability in the Green Construction Trades. AFWD recruits participants, assesses the participants to ensure this is the right training for them, monitors the progress of the students and provides supportive services to the participants to ensure a successful outcome. Once training is complete AFWD provides job search services to help the newly certified students become employed. Several of the students have already received job offers to do weatherization projects and others are pursuing employment in the Solar PV industry.
Once training was completed and participants received their certifications, Butte College took the newly certified students to Sierra Nevada Brewery company for a tour of the solar electric system designed and installed by Chico Electric, a major solar design and installation company in Chico CA. Chico Electric then contacted 8 participants from the Clean Energy Workforce training program to offer them a 5 year apprenticeship program with their company. Because of this training participants were able to acquire new hands on skills, become certified in Clean Energy/Green Construction and are already receiving job offers and apprenticeship programs to further their training. AFWD will continue to assist these folks with job search and possible internships now that they have completed their training.
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE PARTICIPANTS!
Submitted by Susan Vivilacqua
LASSEN CAREER NETWORK JOB FAIR 2010
On Saturday April 10th hundreds of job seekers came to the annual Job Fair at the Lassen County Fairgrounds in hopes of finding a job. The annual Job Fair, sponsored by Lassen Career Network included not only employers who set up tables to find employees but also many other tables where job seekers could find information to help them with their job search. Sue Vivilacqua, Career Center Advisor at Lassen Career Network was there with lots of information on how to write a resume and how to interview for jobs. Many job seekers visited the Resume and Interviewing table where they had their resume reviewed and were able to ask lots of questions about interviewing. There were 2 power points running with resume and interviewing presentations as well as many informational handouts on these subjects. There were signup sheets for the Resume and Interviewing workshops that Sue provides at Lassen Career Network.
How can WIA work for you?
As the conflux of job seekers assembled into the Fairgrounds, the stage was set. Between Jensen Hall and the Arts Building, the 2010 Job Fair was furnished with 20 plus businesses looking to recruit job seekers in order to fulfill their employment needs. Members of the Alliance for Workforce Development, a private non-profit corporation, spearheaded this annual production in order to coordinate the aptitudes of local job seekers with the needs of businesses.
Job Search agencies such as the AFWD are funded by the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The WIA table was one among many tables present at the 2010 Job Fair. Staff members Briley Smith and Jin-Hee Williams assisted in providing information about the WIA program to the multitudes of job seekers. Through this program, many job seekers were able to sign up for job search services at this table and were also given more of an insight into the wide array of services that could be accessed through this program.
By coordinating with the needs of businesses for skilled workers, the employment
needs of job seekers are met through this program. Also, the Workforce
Investment Act is used to assist people in pursuing their educational and
training goals. Many 2010 Job Fair attendees will be visiting Lassen
Career Network to obtain assistance with job search, career counseling, training
plan development, the pursuit of higher education, and skills assessments.
All in all, this years event yielded a successful outcome.
YOUTH TABLE
In an effort to capture the interest of eligible jobseekers for AFWDs Youth Program, the Youth Table sported a large display board with eligibility information. AFWDs Youth Program is designed to assist 17 to 21 year-olds with barriers to employment. These young people with whom we work are typically low income, in foster care, disabled, or have unstable living situations. They usually have an additional obstacle standing in their way of success such as a lack of education, an arrest and conviction record, being pregnant or parenting, or simply a lack of work history.
At the Youth Table, Leslie Scott and Shannon Sanders fielded questions from teenagers, young adults, and interested parents. Benefits of participation in the Youth Program were discussed – job search and job readiness workshops, cash incentives for participation, help with high school diploma or GED, and paid work experience. Youth, who were determined to be eligible for these services, were given WIA applications and appointments for initial meetings were scheduled on the spot.
LASSEN PLUMAS SIERRA COMMUNITY
ACTION AGENCY PROGRAM
In February of this year, AFWD entered into contract with Lassen Plumas Sierra Community Action Agency(LPSCAA) to develop and monitor a Lassen County Business Expansion and Employment Project. The purpose of the Project is to identify 2-3 Lassen County based businesses that meet the definition of a nano business and enter into a subsidized employment agreement with them offering them one employee each for a period of approximately six months. The goal of the program is to demonstrate how a business can “gro with the help of an employee. Out of 13 interested businesses the three chosen were; Big Valley Nursery in Bieber, Trails End Farm in Janesville, and Monath Construction in Susanville.
Out of 18 applications submitted for employee positions the three successful participants are; Linda Banks working with Trails End Farm, Ben Miller working with Monath Construction, and Laura Dye working with Big Valley Nursery. The participants are earning $15.00/hour and are working 40 hours per week. At the end of the six month program, AFWD will deliver a report documenting the changes to the business as well as the success of the participant. Thus far, both the businesses and participants have been extremely pleased with the program. Each business has shared that they have already seen a positive growth in their business whether it be through expanding product lines, overall sales to date, or the ability to compete and bid on jobs that they could not have without the help of an employee. This program is a win-win for all.
Submitted by: Nick Ceaglio
WELCOME STACIE SHELTON
FRONTLINE RECEPTIONIST
Lassen Career Network welcomes Stacie Shelton to the team. Stacie brings with her many years of experience in customer service and joined the team in June. Stacie moved to Lassen County fourteen years ago. She received her Real Estate License and worked for a few years as a realtor then went to work as a Mortgage Lender and ran her own office for a couple of years as Irwin Mortgage. Stacie loved her career and thought that Mortgage Lending was where she would be forever until the Real Estate industry declined like so other many industries have. Stacie says, “ I feel very fortunate to have attained the Front Line Receptionist position here at AFWD. I believe that customer service is my strength and I look forward to working with this great crew of people here and seeing where else my future will lead.”
Welcome aboard Stacie!
FAMILIAR FACE RETURNS
JONCIE RITCH
Joncie has rejoined the AFWD staff as a Part Time Receptionist in Lassen County. She was once a youth in the AFWD youth program and then hired as a Receptionist at the Lassen Career Network. She moved to Portland, Oregon in 2008 to gain more work experience and in 2010 returned to Susanville. Joncie is back now with 4 years of experience in the Customer Service field and more knowledge of everyday life. She enjoys the small things and loves to be outside whenever possible.
NICE TO HAVE YOU BACK JONCIE!
A CLIENT SUCCESS STORY
Dan Viscotha worked for Sierra Pacific Industries in Quincy for 18 years before he was laid off due to the closure of the mill in May 2009. AFWD provided Rapid Response services to him and many other effected employees to assist them during this difficult time and to let them know what services were available to them as a Dislocated Worker. Dan came in to the Lassen Career Network office on 5/7/09 and met with a Career Center Advisor Sue Vivilacqua. Dan was enrolled and he and Sue immediately started forming a plan to get back to work! Sue recommended he apply to jobs at Sierra Army Depot but Dan had no computer skills and applying at the Depot required applying online.
The first step was getting Dan comfortable on the computer and learn to type so he could apply to the Depot and other employers who require online applications and resumes. Dan started practicing typing in the LCN computer lab weekly. After a few weeks Dan was enjoying his new skills of typing, learning the computer and how to get on the internet. He enjoyed it so much that he saved his pennies and bought a computer so he could spend more time on it and search for jobs online from home. He worked with his Advisor closely and learned how to use e-mail, type up a resume and research occupations he was interested in. Dan was also interested in learning a new career so he completed several occupational assessments and did research to find employment in his areas of interests. All the while he was using the computer to put his resume on several company websites to find employment and search for job openings. Sue discussed with Dan why he needed more computer skills besides typing, e-mail and surfing the internet and so he started on Element K online training for Microsoft Word. While Dan was honing his computer skills he was applying to many jobs but nothing came to fruition.
Dan and Sue worked together and applied him to many positions at the Depot and finally in April 2010 Dan was hired with URS as a Material Handler. Dan is enjoying his new job and adjusting to having a work schedule again and still sends Sue e-mail now and then!
CONGRATULATIONS DAN!
Submitted by Susan Vivilacqua
BASIC COMPUTER CLASS
At Lassen Career Network, a computer class was offered that knocked down barriers for people who were afraid to touch a computer. The course explained how the computer actually works, opened the computer up and allowed the class to touch the ram memory, hard drive and see the mother board, fans, and explained the operation of the computer. There were explanations on the difference between software compared to hardware and talked about the different programs that are available to buy and protect your computer. After this, there was a exercise on typing, font size, underlining, bolding and other areas understanding how a program like Microsoft Word works. This class is free to the public. After this class, the students were eager to go home and show their children what they have learned and that they can help themselves. It was great to see people again, learn and explore for the first time, something new. Basic Computer Classes will be offered every month to the public and Lassen Career Network staff will be encouraging clients, friends and family to attend.
Submitted by Abel Ramoz
“TRIPLE THREAT”
DIPLOMA-WORK-COLLEGE
OCTAVIO CARRASCO
Frequently, young adults come to AFWDs Youth Program with many goals that they'd like to achieve, employment, receiving a high school diploma or GED, moving out on their own, entering college or training. Most of our youth achieve at least one of their goals. Seldom do they achieve ALL of their goals. Enter Octavio Carrasco.
At age 17, Octavio moved to Lassen County from Shasta to live with his aunt, his legal guardian. Being under eighteen and without a high school diploma, he started classes at Credence High School. Referred to AFWDs Youth Program by Juvenile Probation, he set three goals for himself through our program: receive his high school diploma, be working, and be enrolled in post-secondary education. Because Octavio had a heavy course load all day at Credence, he came to the Lassen Career Network weekly after school to get assistance with job search and basic life skills. Whenever he was on a scheduled break from school, he also attended Youth Program group workshops.
Octavio demonstrated outstanding follow-through participating in the Youth Program. When asked to complete something, he did it. He never missed an appointment without calling to reschedule. Everyone who worked with Octavio had the same comments about his drive and determination to succeed. In May, his efforts with job search paid off. He found work as an evening janitor at the Lassen Indian Health Center. On June 3rd, he graduated from Credence High School. And, to reach his third and final Youth Program goal, he applied to Lassen College where he is interested in pursuing a degree in Automotive Technology.
Congratulations to you Octavio, AFWDs Triple Threat!
Submitted by Leslie Scott
IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCEED, TRY, TRY AGAIN!
Jeremy came to Lassen Career Network last summer looking for work as a fire fighter. He was raring to go, armed with his portfolio full of firefighting certificates, letters of reference from former supervisors and an 8 year work history on wild land fires as 1st saw and firefighter 2. Unfortunately, most of this experience and training was gained while incarcerated. All of his certificates of achievement and letters of recommendation did not negate the huge barrier of a felony conviction. We worked on his resume and he applied to all positions available in forestry and fire fighting. He was not chosen even with his vast experience. He endured a roller coaster of emotions as he struggled to find work and care for his family. As the fire season closed and it was obvious he would not find work in the field of his passion, or any other field, he was referred to Lassen College to explore education options.
Jeremy is currently attending night classes and pursuing a degree in fire science. Abel Ramoz, our Computer Lab Coordinator and one of his fire science instructors at Lassen College, could see his potential and genuine desire to reform his life. He took him under his wing to encourage and guide him through the application process. With the next fire season approaching, Jeremy received a job offer out of the local area. He was in the process of making a difficult decision to leave his family to accept the out of town employment, when he received a joyous call. He was offered a local position with the US Forest Service at Eagle Lake Ranger District. He gladly accepted the position and reported to work in May. This opportunity is especially prestigious because the crew he will be joining will be striving for Type 1 status as interagency hot shot crew. Jeremy has expressed his appreciation of the support and help he received here at the Lassen Career Network.
Submitted by Debbie Jones
TACO BELL GETTING NEW LOOK IN SUSANVILLE!
Local sub-contractors have been hired to remodel Taco Bell in Susanville. Three AFWD clients were hired as laborers to assist with the project. Robert Fitzgerald, Benito Sosa and JJ Martin are happy to gain some employment for the summer. With very little construction going on in the community every small project is appreciated. This project is expected to be completed the end of July.
Submitted by Leslie Scott
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UPCOMING EVENTS
July 8: Interviewing Skills Workshop
July 13-15: Basic Computer Workshop
July 20-22: Basic Internet/E-mail Workshop
July 22: Resume Building Workshop
July 27-29: Basic Microsoft Word/Excel Workshop
August 12: Interviewing Skills Workshop
August 26: Resume Building Workshop
September 13: Health Care Reform Business Workshop 11am-1pm