TEN31-10acc.pdf

ETA Advisory File Text

NO. 31-10 TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT NOTICE DATE March 29 2011 TO STATE WORKFORCE AGENCIES STATE WORKFORCE LIAISONS STATE AND LOCAL WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARDS STATE ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER SYSTEM LEADS FROM JANE OATES s Assistant Secretary SUBJECT Veterans Career Transition Project at Select Job Corps Centers 1. Purpose . To inform the public workforce system about the career transition pilot demonstration project available for veterans ages 20-24 at select Job Cor ps centers and to encourage eligible veterans to access training opportunities at these si tes. In the one-year demonstration project sponsored by the Employment and Training Administration ETA Office of Job Corps OJC and the Veterans Employment and Training Service VETS veterans receive training with an opportunity to earn a credential or ce rtificate. Project participants receive a stipend housing meals assistance with employment and post- employment support. This project is an important resource for veterans transitioning from military service who may have barriers to employment such as being at risk of homelessness or lacking postsecondary credentials and other young veterans who need additional education and training. 2. Background . The unemployment rate for veterans 20-24 years of age consistently and significantly exceeds that for non-veterans. In 2009 the unemployment rate for veterans 20-24 years of age was 21 percent which translates to an estimated 50 000 unemployed young veterans. Transitioning from military service and starting a new civilian career can be challenging. Through this pilot young veterans have access to a program which recognizes the maturity and life experiences that veterans gained from their military service. Job Corps employs a holistic career development training approach that teaches academic vocational and employability skills and social competencies in an integrated manner through a combination of classroom and applied learning experiences to prepare participants for stable lo ng-term and high-paying jobs. An important outcome is that participants obtain skills and an industry- recognized credential. Each of the three Job Corps centers selected as a demonstration project center based on available bed space current linkages with the military branches and the variety of career training offerings available dedicated 100 slots for veterans. Selecte d centers are as follows EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR WASHINGTON D.C. 20210 2 Earle C. Clements - Morganfield KY near Evansville IN Excelsior Springs - Excelsior Springs MO near Kansas City Atterbury - Edinburgh IN between Indianapolis and Louisville Once identified and enrolled into the project participants select one of the three Job Corps training centers. Enrollment is open and continuous until each center reaches its capacity for 100 veterans at any one time. Although OJC set aside 300 project slots actual participation during the year may exceed that number due to the continuous open enrollment. 3. Benefits for Participating Veterans . Veterans receive priority access to this fully-funded project that is offered at no cost to the veteran. The project pays for the accepted veteran s transportation costs to the Job Corps center and transportation back hom e after training is completed housing meals basic medical services academic and career technical training a bi-weekly living allowance job placement and post-graduation support. A key benefit is post-graduation support. When veterans are ready to begin transitioning into their career OJC staff provides job search assistance resume writing and job interviewing skills. Graduates receive transition services for up to 21 months after graduation including assistance with housing transportation and other supportive services. Upon completion of training veterans are assigned to a career transition counselor to assi st them with job placement or enrollment in a postsecondary education program. 4. Actions . Program operators are encouraged to make the attached promotional materials and information available to veterans and refer interested veterans between the a ges of 20-24 to this demonstration project. Veterans can enroll in the Job Corps program or obtain more information about this project by calling the toll-free information line 24 hours a day seven days a week at 800 733-JOBS or visit the OJC recruitment Web site at www.Recruiting.JobCorps.gov . 5. Inquiries . Please phone the national VETS point of contact Tim Winter 202 693-4705 or the national OJC point of contact Maria Temiquel 202 693-3118 for additional information. 6. Attachment s . Collateral materials for posting and sharing in One-Stop Resource rooms Informational Poster Informational One-Pager Tri-Fold Brochure and Frequently Asked Questions FAQs .