One Stop Activities

 

Sierra Army Depot Utilizes
Lassen Career Network's Computer Lab for Hiring

Based on a recent contract award, Sierra Army Depot located in Herlong, CA was faced with building their applicant pool with the expectation of hiring up to 250 new employees within the next year or two. Positions including, security guard, general support helpers, material handlers, office assistant, budget analyst, telecommunications specialist, maintenance mechanic leader, heavy mobile equipment mechanic, are some of the many jobs that will need to be filled.

In order to apply for any position at Sierra Army Depot applicants must utilize the on line application process, Resumix, as listed on the web site Civilian Personnel On-Line (CPOL.) Although the system is straightforward, there are “tricks” that can assist applicants to ensure that their resume is complete and most closely matches the requirements of the job for which they are applying.

In order to build their applicant pool and enhance applicants’ job opportunities, Sierra Army Depot had Resumix coaches available at Lassen Career Network during the months of February and March , 2007, every Tuesday and Thursday. The coaches assisted all interested persons in navigating the Resumix system including how to: enter a resume, self nominate for open jobs, job search, and check application status.

The coaching was extremely successful. In all over 120 job seekers utilized the available coaching services, resulting in an increased applicant pool for Sierra Army Depot and enhanced job opportunities for job seekers.

http://www.sierra.army.mil/SIAD.html

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Lassen Career Network Staff Has Fun with “Spring Spruce Up,”
Professional Development Day

Through discussion between the partner agencies of Lassen Career Network (LCN), management sought to enhance the LCN staff's professionalism as well as the one-stop image. Management talked about different ways to improve professional image and service.

Based on discussions and staff input, it was determined to first, address the professional dress issue. Next the plan was drafted to address the issue in a fun and rather unique way. In order to encourage people to dress appropriately for work, on March 23rd, a potluck lunch along with a presentation from our local Walmart showing employees how they can shop locally and build a professional wardrobe for a reasonable cost, was held at Lassen Career Network. The goal was to let LCN staff know that they do not have to go to Reno or spend hundreds of dollars to have a work appropriate clothing. This potluck/presentation was aimed at leading by example and encouraging everyone to have fun while learning about dressing for success.

Susanville Walmart employees put on a fashion show, modeling their spring work collection. LCN management then hosted a lunch; and after lunch, Melody Brawley, Director, Lassen Works, and Holly Schirmer, Operations Manager, presented a Power Point presentation on how to dress for success, focusing on business appropriate and inappropriate attire. The feed back from staff on the event was extremely positive, and staff is already dressing more appropriately!

The management’s goal is to offer professional development to the local One-Stop staff on an ongoing basis. Plans for future professional development events are being discussed in order to continue enhancing professionalism and customer service here in Lassen.

Lassen Career Network Computer Lab Offers Valuable Services
to the Susanville Community

The Lassen Career Network Computer Lab has been busy during the first three months of 2007. The computer lab serves as a main hub within the Susanville community, offering a variety of computer related trainings, classes, and services to the public. The lab is utilized by a variety of companies, agencies and organizations to provide computer based training to their employees. The lab features 10 computers, all with internet access and many recognizable software programs. The lab is used to train job seekers on how to apply for jobs utilizing on-line application systems. Local employers that utilize on-line application processes include the Sierra Army Depot, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Lear Siegler, Wal Mart, and Walgreens.

Many people utilize the computer lab to create and/or update their resumes. In addition to individual usage, we host open enrollment resume workshops, providing tips and guidance to attendees on how to build an effective resume. The lab is available to groups throughout the community that need a bank of computers. One of the teen group homes recently utilized the lab for the 20+ teens to create their resumes for the Lassen Career Expo and Job Fair.

Persons needing to obtain a typing certificate can do so at no cost by coming into the computer lab. Typing certificates of a minimum of 40wpm are required for employment with the Department of Corrections, Office Assistant candidates. The lab is also equipped with several computer programs that will assist people in building and or testing a variety of job skills. This service is available to employers for their employees and or job applicants, job seekers, and clients.

Training on Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint) and assistance setting up a free email (Yahoo) account is ongoing. WinWay Resume software training will continued to be provided on an ongoing basis throughout the year.

The staff at Lassen Career Network is dedicated to providing the community with the most updated computer lab, enabling people to build and enhance all computer related skills. We will work to keep the computer lab updated with the most current software/hardware to ensure that the community has access to the same computer programs that they will encounter on the job.

The Lassen Career Network computer lab is available to the public at no fee, providing service to all interested persons. For more information contact Carol Lynn, Computer Lab Coordinator, 530-257-7552.

GETTING STARTED WITH GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING SEMINAR HELD ON FEBRUARY 7, 2007

The Federal government is one of the largest buyers of goods and services in the country, spending more than $500 billion annually on a variety of products and services. In order to do business with the government, businesses need to know the fundamentals on how to navigate through the government contracting process.

To help local businesses, an informational seminar teaching these fundamental steps was hosted at Lassen Career Network in Susanville on February 7, 2007. During the 4 hour class attendees learned what it takes to get started including what types of goods and services the federal government buys, how to obtain the necessary registrations and classification codes, whether they qualify for certain socioeconomic programs, and much, much more.

With a federal prison, the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Sierra Army Depot, and other federal agencies that manage lands and resources, Lassen County businesses and entrepreneurs are in a unique position to expand their businesses by contracting with the government sector. This seminar has helped local businesses in expanding their operations by adding the federal government to their customer base.

“Getting Started with Government Contracting” is a joint effort of the Federal Technology Center Procurement Technical Assistance Center (FTC PTAC), and Lassen Career Network. For further information and information on upcoming free seminars, visit the Federal Technology Center’s web site at : http://www.TheFTC.org

Independent City 2007
Once again Independent City came off with out a hitch. At this year’s Independent City we were able to serve 65 youth and take them through the trials and tribulations of “moving day” and independent living.

Thanks to all of our community volunteers, several businesses in the community, and the youth. The simulation of “moving day” proved to be very true to life. The youth teamed up with “roommates” and visited “city stations” and experienced exactly what moving out really means. The youth had to find housing, turn on utilities, open bank accounts, choose between public transportation or car payments, choose between a cell phone or land line, and make many of the decisions necessary for day to day life.

The hands-on process was very well received by the youth. “This is fun but so stressful. I didn’t think moving out was this hard” was one comment made during the one-day event. Another youth stated “I gotta get a job and start saving some money.”

At the end of the day the adults and youth were able to sit down and address some of the fears and issues that had surfaced through the simulation. Laurie Wann with the Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc., served as this years “Mayor.” She did a wonderful job communicating ways to make “moving day” easier by having a plan, knowing what to expect, and where to go for help. A special thanks the Rich Duvarny from the Lassen County Department of Education who served as “Deputy Mayor” and aided in the situational game with the youth.

Many of the adult volunteers were able to share their experiences, their mistakes, and give advice to the youth. Volunteers expressed that they didn’t know what to expect at first but found the Independent City was an activity that they believe to be a priceless experience for all high school seniors.

Several local agencies joined forces in this huge effort, including Lassen Works, Lassen County Office of Education, the Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc., Lassen Union High School Workability Program, Lassen Community College Foster Youth Mentoring and Financial Aid, Lassen County Child Protective Services, Lassen County Drug & Alcohol, and Lassen County Juvenile Probation.

A big thanks goes to the local businesses and other organizations that gave their time and priceless information. Some of our participants included Lassen Municipal Utility District, Edge Wireless, City of Susanville, Susanville Supermarket, Frontier Communications, Pathways to Child and Family Success, Plumas Bank, US Bank, Lassen County Federal Credit Union, The National Guard, Lassen Family Services, Americorps, and Soroptomist International of Susanville. A special thanks to Sgt. Hubert of the National Guard for allowing us to use the Armory Building.

Here are some of our WIA Youth participants learning about the rental process.

AFWD Hosts Management Series Workshop – Effective Job Coaching

One of the topics most requested by employers is job coaching. Managers are always looking for tips on how they can improve their employees’ production, customer service, and desired behavior. On March 14, 2007 Laurie Wann and Tonya Moore, HR consultants for the Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. addressed a full house of business managers and supervisors to talk about motivating employees for top performance. This workshop, held at Lassen Career Network was packed with techniques and strategies that assisted managers with guiding and motivating employees to top performance.

Employee performance techniques discussed were:

• Enhancing Self Esteem
• Tips for Creating a Climate of Open Communication & Trust
• Are You a Good Listener?
• Improving Listening Skills
• Setting Performance Goals and Standards
• Planning for the Coaching Session
• Recognizing and Rewarding Employees

In addition, case studies were reviewed and action plans were drafted by attendees of this highly interactive and results oriented workshop. For further information on AFWD’s Business Workshops or other services available to businesses, visit our web site at http://www.afwdhr.org/

2007 Labor Law Workshop a Hit with Local Employers!

On January 10, 2007 Traci Holt, PHR, Director of Human Resources, for AFWD facilitated Lassen Career Networks’ annual labor law update workshop. This workshop was aimed at assisting local businesses in becoming familiar with, understanding, and knowing how the new federal and state 2007 labor laws, affect them, their employees, and businesses.

Laws discussed included: the new minimum wage increase, the use of cell phones while driving, mandatory background checks for health care industry employees, new health and safety regulations, payroll and unemployment insurance changes, wage and hour issues, and other court decisions that affect all California employers.

The workshop was very well received, with 34 local business representatives attending to learn more about the new laws and the impact on their employees and businesses. Through workshops such as the Labor Law Update, AFWD continues to offer employer services that assist business owners with their success.

Local employers attend the 6th Annual Labor Law Workshop.

WIA Success Stories

Christine Tomas is a WIA client enrolled in our adult program. Christine had recently relocated to Susanville, CA to be closer to her mother and came into the One-Stop, Lassen Career Network (LCN) to request job search assistance. She has several certificates and is highly qualified for security and juvenile detention work. She took two survival jobs at Jack in the Box and the Dollar Tree while she was pursuing a full time job with increased compensation. She came into LCN every day working on her resume and applying for any job she felt qualified for. We were able to help her complete an application for an Indian casino gaming license and after a dedicated effort on her part she was offered a position with the Diamond Mountain Casino as a Security Guard. She plans to promote within the casino as opportunities arise. I consider Christine a great success because of her diligence in pursuing this job. She knew what she wanted and she worked very hard to get it.

Rebekah Holcomb is a WIA youth client. She is currently living on her own and attending correspondence classes through Lassen College. Rebekah came to the program looking to find a job to help support herself and gain experience while obtaining her AA degree.

Thomas Lake is an older youth client. Thomas came into the WIA Youth Program because he was new to the area. He recently moved to Susanville from Pennsylvania. Thomas was looking for work and unsure of the job market in Lassen County.

In February, Denise Mountcastle, of Eagle Summit Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Clinic was referred to Alliance for Workforce Development by a former employer that had participated in Work Experience. Based on the needs that Denise expressed we were able to place both Rebekah and Thomas with Eagle Summit.

Both are doing exceptionally well in their placement. Thomas had previously studied physical therapy at college in Pennsylvania, and has a renewed desire to continue his education because of his experiences with Eagle Summit. Rebekah has learned valuable skills in the medical field and has been inspired to take a few classes in the medical billing department.

 

 

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UPCOMING EVENTS

April 14, 2007 – Lassen Career Network Presents “Take the Mystery Out of Finding a Job,” Career Expo and Job Fair. Lassen County Fairgrounds,
9 am – 12 pm.

April 26, 2007 – NoRTEC Workforce Investment Board (WIB) Meeting, Chico

April 28, 2007 – Lassen Chamber of Commerce Presents the Lassen Home and Garden Show, Lassen County Fairgrounds, 10 am – 4 pm. For further information call the chamber at 530-257-4323 or http://www.lassencountychamber.org

May 23, 2007 – Alliance for Workforce Development, Inc. and the Lassen Chamber of Commerce sponsors, “Starting and Growing Your Business In Lassen County,” event at Lassen Career Network, 12 pm – 5 pm. For additional information contact, Holly Schirmer at 530-257-2586 or hschirmer@ncen.org.

Coming soon……….. Sexual Harassment Prevention workshops.

 

 

To learn more about these events, contact your local One-Stop Employment Center

PLUMAS WORK CONNECTION, 283-WORK

LASSEN CAREER NETWORK, 257-5057

MODOC EMPLOYMENT CENTER, 233-4161

SIERRA WORK CONNECTION, 993-4295