JobWorks attends ‘Raising of the Bar’

JobWorks Education and Training had the opportunity to attend the Raising of the Bar conference in Maryland. The conference provides an opportunity for in-depth conversations and networking for workforce and educational professionals to discuss innovative workforce development solutions for job seekers, youth, and businesses. The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act challenges our system to be creative, flexible, and innovative in the delivery of these solutions. The conference allowed space for leaders to bring their challenges, ideas, and evidence-based solutions to explore practices in developing the best workforce system in the country.

TechWorks becomes focus topic for career conference

Recently, Tom Kavanagh, the Chief Operating Officer for JobWorks, Inc., presented with our partners Career Source Tampa Bay (https://hires.careersourcetampabay.com/) at the Florida Workforce Summit (https://workforcesummit.net/). They discussed TechWorks and how it integrates within their ACE program (https://careersourcetampabay.com/ace/).

JobWorks participates in ACT Summit

JobWorks Education & Training was joined with its partners at Clark University and Public Consulting Group for a presentation about its TechQuest Apprenticeship at the ACT Summit. This event brings together experts and leaders to discuss topics such as the future of workforce learning, new paradigms of workforce engagement, talent shortages and more. Learn more about this event at https://www.act.org/content/act/en/act-events/workforce-summit.html

ITEM Wired includes Casella as panelist

Recently, our National Director John Casella participated in a panel discussion at ITEN Wired in Florida. “Growing IT Career Opportunities through the Apprenticeship Model” featured various training partners and workforce board partners that included JobWorks Education & Training. The discussion highlighted the benefits and opportunities associated with IT industry apprenticeships and provided information about finding funding and engaging employers.

Learn more about this event at https://itenwired.com

Job Opportunity: Apprenticeship Training Coordinator

STATUS: Full-Time

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  JobWorks provides reasonable accommodation to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship. 

SUMMARY:

Incumbent serves as Apprenticeship Training Coordinator (ATC) thus serving as a liaison between employers, training providers and the regional workforce system to promote and guide apprenticeships in the 12-county region. The ATC may provide consultative and investigative services for apprenticeship training and certification within the Apprenticeship Program. The ATC provides a linkage between industry standards, training providers, employers and apprentices, and carries out specific related functions under the legislation and regulations. Coordinates and administers apprenticeship agreements in the role of a RAP intermediary.  Advises apprentices and employers of their rights and responsibilities under relevant legislation and regulations regarding apprenticeship programs. Develops policy and procedures for Board review and approval. Conducts apprenticeship training to WorkOne staff on policy, procedures and appropriate documentation.  Conducts monitoring of files and records to ensure compliance with regional, state, and federal regulations.  Participates in a variety of apprenticeship related meetings and webinars.

DUTIES:

• Become familiar with Corporate and Regional Workforce Board’s overall vision of Workforce and Economic Development. Embody the principles, goals, objectives, applicable regulations, policies and procedures in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the position and how the job responsibilities correlate to Region 4’s apprenticeship concept while ensuring all activities are consistent and compliant with such and leads to their achievement.

• Adheres to all Internal policies, procedures and applicable legislation as well as Department programs and objectives.

• Creates and delivers presentations and participates in the development and promotion of the apprenticeship model of training and recruitment; Participates in the development of practical and technical training and act as a regional resource for implementation of Registered Apprenticeship programs.

• Work is mostly performed independently, and matters are referred to the Regional Program Manager when the consequences of a decision are likely to be critical to the Apprenticeship Program. Must react to new situations in a timely manner and make effective decisions and judgments within the guidelines of legislation, regulations, and policies respecting the Apprenticeship Program. Organizes own workload and establishes priorities.

• Responsible for the communication between apprentice employer and case management staff.

• Responsible for collection of data/documentation regarding apprenticeship programs and apprentices.

• Responsible for the monthly reporting of progress towards goals and benchmarks of the apprenticeship grant.

• Become proficient with the WorkOne System philosophy in order to develop an understanding of the job’s relationship and how position relates to WorkOne initiatives and assure all activities are consistent with such and lead to the success of regional goals and performance attainment.

• Become familiar with the IEDC’s philosophy and implementation in order to develop an understanding of the job’s relationship and how position relates to state economic development initiatives and assure all activities are consistent with such and lead to the Region’s goal and performance achievement.

• Responsible to participate in meetings/conference calls and make regular reports on plan achievements as directed.

• Utilizes, maintains, and updates various employer and client databases in a timely manner.

• Attends various staff meetings, submits required reports, interprets program information, and makes policy and procedural recommendations.

• Ensures compliance with federal, state, regional, and agency rules and regulations. Ensures agency and individual performance standards are met and/or exceeded.

• Responsible to travel outside the office as required.

• Responsible to project a professional image in manner and appearance.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

I.  JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Human Resources, Project Management, or related field preferred but not required. Experience working with trades, project management, or related field experience a plus.

• Demonstrated effectiveness in oral and written communication.

• Ability to work autonomously and in a team environment.

• Ability to meet all hiring requirements, including passage of a drug test and background check.

• Knowledge of apprenticeship system, legislation and regulations with respect to the apprenticeship programs.

• Knowledge of the apprenticeship model of training.

• Knowledge of trades, clients and cultural diversity, and a working knowledge of trends in the industry.

• Well-developed organizational, interpersonal and communication skills (written and oral) as well as the ability to develop and make effective presentations.

• Well-developed conflict resolution, analytical and record keeping and administrative skills.

• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations.

• Ability to input data regarding the apprenticeships into appropriate systems.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software including Word, Excel and Power Point

• Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other Region 4 partners, community organizations, social service agencies, educational institutions, various employers, training providers, clients, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities and disabilities.

• Ability to provide public access to or maintain confidentiality of department information and records according to state requirements.

• Ability to comply with all employer and department policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.

• Ability to plan and present public speaking presentations regarding the WorkOne West Central Apprenticeship Program.

• Ability to compile, analyze and evaluate data, make determinations, and present findings in oral or written form.

• Ability to occasionally work extended hours, evenings, and travel out of town for meetings and training seminars, sometimes overnight.

• Must be able to project a professional image in manner and appearance.

• Possession of valid driver’s license and demonstrated safe driving record.

II.  DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

Incumbent operates within general instructions, guidelines, and rules, exercising discretion in selecting the appropriate ones to ensure successful completion of assigned tasks.  Incumbent performs a broad range of regular duties, which involve consideration of several variables.

III.  RESPONSIBILITY

Incumbent is responsible for proper completion of assigned tasks, with desired results clearly specified.  Incumbent exercises independent judgment in a variety of situations and circumstances, using departmental policies for guidance.  Frequently, decisions are made which are restricted only by organization-wide policies.  Work is reviewed primarily for attainment of objectives, adherence to instructions/guidelines, and technical accuracy.

IV.  PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

Incumbent maintains frequent contact with area employers, community organizations, co-workers, other departments, social service agencies, educational institutions, clients, and the public, for purposes of assisting customer’s in finding and maintaining employment as an end result. Incumbent works with the Business Services Team but reports directly to Regional Program Manager.

Region 11 staff celebrated for outstanding efforts

Audrey Buckman, from Region 11, was recognized for her outstanding work as an employment and training advisor.

Jody Robinson, JAG program manager, was recognized for leading Region 11 JAG Team through an award-winning year by specialists, students and schools.

Kathrin Hast, Region 11 JAG specialist, was recognized for her years of service meeting JAG Program 5 of 5 Performance.

Sherri Montgomery was recognized for her exceptional efforts as Region 11 JAG program coordinator. She was originally awarded this at the JAG State Convention.

Recently, Region 11 staff were recognized at the annual WDB meeting. Audrey Buckman, from Region 11, was recognized for her outstanding work as an employment and training advisor. Audrey guided all three of the 2022 Region 11 Outstanding WIOA customers to their successful training and employment outcomes.

Jody Robinson, JAG program manager, was recognized for leading Region 11 JAG Team through an award-winning year by specialists, students and schools. She was originally awarded this at the JAG National Convention.

Kathrin Hast, Region 11 JAG specialist, was recognized for her years of service meeting JAG Program 5 of 5 Performance.

Sherri Montgomery was recognized for her exceptional efforts as Region 11 JAG program coordinator. She was originally awarded this at the JAG State Convention.

All these individuals were recognized at the 2022 Southwest Indiana Workforce Board Annual Meeting.

JobWorks ‘appreciated’ at SETA Conference

The JobWorks team was recently in Louisville, Kentucky at the SETA 2022 Fall Conference. The Southeastern Employment & Training Association (SETA) provides professional opportunities for all workforce development partners. This organization works to promote workforce excellence through training and networking. While at the event, JobWorks Education & Training was recognized for its involvement and support of SETA.

“As our world is changing, it is imperative that SETA stays at the forefront of professional and workforce development. It is my hope that this year will provide members the opportunity to interact more with each other, strengthen relationships between members, and cultivate skills that will allow them to excel in the workplace,” says Napoleon Bracy Jr., this year’s SETA President (read his full message online)

Learn more about JobWorks Education & Training at www.trainwithjobworks.org

Job Opportunity: Accounting/Fiscal Support Specialist

STATUS: Full-Time

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

SUPERVISED BY: HR and Fiscal

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. JobWorks Inc. provides reasonable accommodation to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would cause an undue hardship.

DUTIES:

• Assist with basic accounting functions and activities such as reconciliations, general journal entries, accounts payable, accounts receivable, etc.

• Provide the HR team support with daily HR activities such as recruitment, new hire orientation, background check, personnel benefits, etc.

• Enter new employees and changes to employee data in payroll system.

• Assists with employee recognition programs.

• Assists HR staff in following appropriate policies and procedures in human resources.

• Assists in maintenance of personnel and benefits files and records.

• Conducts HR, payroll, and fiscal duties as assigned.

• Assists with maintaining up-to-date personnel files.

• Communicates using e-mail, telephone, and/or personal contact to ensure consistent policies and procedures are reported.

• Performs various clerical duties, including typing labels, reviewing case notes, sending e-mails, and making copies.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

• Have work related experience and/or relevant post-secondary education.

• Bilingual language a plus.

• Aware of intercultural differences.

• Ability to work alone with minimum supervision or as a member of a team.

• Ability to meet all hiring requirements including background check and drug test.

• Knowledge of standard office practices and ability to use modern office equipment.

• Knowledge of MS Word, Excel, and data entry platforms.

• Ability to communicate with co-workers, vendors, and the general public in a courteous, effective and tactful manner.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

• Ability to follow both verbal and written instructions.

DIFFICULTY OF WORK:

Employee performs a wide variety of duties using generally accepted accounting and human resource procedures and practices to assist in the coordination of the human resources and accounting operations of the agency. Independent judgment is needed in interpreting guidelines, selecting the best methods and procedures to obtain desired results.

RESPONSIBILITY:

Employee performs a variety of recurrent duties according to standard practices and procedures of the human resources and accounting functions. Majority of work is accomplished according to priorities determined by the HR and Fiscal teams.

PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Employee performs duties in a modern office environment with no unusual physical demands. Regularly uses personal computer. Periodically travels locally and regionally in performance of duties.

JobWorks JAG specialists win National Jobs For America’s Graduates Award

Kylie Betzner (center), JAG Specialist at Kokomo High School receiving the award of 2022 Outstanding JAG Specialist for Indiana during the 2022 JAG National Training Seminar. The award was presented by Ken Smith, President and CEO, Jobs for America’s Graduates and Janelle Duray, Executive Vice President and COO, Jobs for America’s Graduates.

Sonya Johnson (right), JAG Specialist at Gary Calumet New Tech High School was unable to attend the 2022 National JAG Conference. She is  receiving her award from Region 1 JAG Manager Danetta Jones (left). 

The 39th Annual National Training Seminar is the most extensive professional development experience for the JAG National Network. More than 600 colleagues gather to gain inspiration, deeper skill sets, and more robust professional networks with the best JAG Specialists, managers, trainers, and administrators from across the United States.

After five days of NTS, JAG Specialists, Managers, and state staff will have the knowledge, skills, and most importantly, actionable plans, and toolkits for a winning 2022-2023 school year! During the event, State Affiliates, Outstanding Specialists, High Performers, and Peak Performers are also recognized. Among those recognized this year were two JobWorks JAG Specialist mentors; Kylie Betzner – Indiana Region 4 and Sonya Johnson- Indiana Region 1.

Knight presents at JAG National Training Seminar

Recently, one of our region 1 specialists, Allison Knight, was selected to present at JAG National Training Seminar. She submitted a proposal earlier this year and was one of approximately 15 selected to present! 

Allison’s presentation was entitled, “Choose A Job You Love.” She spoke regarding applying the Highland Code (R.I.A.S.E.C.) career matching assessment to the career exploration process for high school students. This provides an expansion of student learning about available workforce options, congruent with their individualized career interests.

Allison directed the focus of the workshop on how it can be a resource, a lesson, and/or a PBL to facilitate learning covering employer engagement competencies as well as how one’s individual growth can be motivated.

The workshop demonstrated how RIASEC can help students identify a career path and the ability to begin creating post-high school plans for work or school. This shared resource included how high school students can use this career exploration tool to identify their career path, additionally adding how the JAG specialist can apply it to lesson plans.

JobWorks JAG mentors recognized as ‘Outstanding’ IN Indiana

(pictured left): Indiana Outstanding New JAG Specialist:  Taylor Tracy representing River Forest High School, Region 1. (pictured right): Indiana Outstanding JAG Specialists: Allison Knight representing Hammond Morton High School, Region 1.

Indiana Outstanding JAG Student of the Year:  Parry Hooks, Kokomo High School with the Kokomo JAG Specialist mentor, Kylie Betzner from Region 4.

Indiana Outstanding JAG Coordinator: Sherri Montgomery, Region 11

Recently, several dedicated JobWorks JAG mentors received state and national recognition for outstanding work during the past year.

Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) is a state-based, national organization. JAG focuses on workforce preparation that helps students learn in-demand employability skills and provides a bridge to post-secondary education, employment and career advancement opportunities. JAG students receive adult mentoring while in school and one year of follow-up counseling after graduation. The JAG program is funded through grants provided by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

Serving under that job title of JAG Specialists these student mentors work with students, school personnel and community members throughout many Indiana Workforce Region. JobWorks JAG Mentors currently serve Indiana Region 1- Northwest Indiana, Indiana Region 4 West Central Indiana and Indiana Region 11 Southwest Indiana.

Recognition received included:

Indiana Outstanding JAG Specialists: Allison Knight- Hammond Morton High School, Region 1

Indiana Outstanding New JAG Specialist:  Taylor Tracy- River Forest High School, Region 1

Indiana Outstanding JAG Coordinator: Sherri Montgomery, Region 11

Indiana Outstanding JAG Student of the Year:  Parry Hooks, Kokomo High School with the Kokomo JAG Specialist mentor, Kylie Betzner from Region 4.

JobWorks participates in NEXTGen Expo

Recently, JobWorks Education & Training participated in a unique event that was aimed at giving students resources to grow their futures. The NEXTGen Expo gave students a chance to meet area employers about jobs and internships, meet local colleges and training providers, as well as connect with life, job and career resources!

JobWorks Education & Training team members were on hand to speak on discussion panels. These sessions were centered around the following:

• Career Development Panel - Attendees learned how young professionals turned their motivation and determination into an unstoppable pathway to success. Students were able to hear about preparing for post-secondary education, the job market, and the world of work.

• Money Matters session will helped attendees sharpen their financial vision for today and beyond to help them achieve many goals and dreams that required planning and money.

• What About My Resume? Was a session all about building a resume that will catch the eye of an employer.

Being involved in events such as this furthers our mission to provide education and training resources to workforces, individual students, employers and more.

IowaWORKS Now Offering New Tech Training Opportunity for Dislocated Workers

DES MOINES – Dislocated workers across Iowa now have access to a new career pathway in a high-demand field. IowaWORKS, in conjunction with JobWorks Education and Training Systems, are partnering to offer the TechWorks training program to create an accelerated pathway toward a career in information technology.

The 12-week course is designed to be flexible and will primarily target Iowans who have lost employment through no fault of their own due to the impact of the pandemic. Participants will take part in virtual training leading to two valuable IT training certificates (A+ Certification and IT Fundamental Certification) that will help support a new career in IT.

“Our state can’t afford to leave any workers on the sidelines, so we’re thrilled to begin offering this unique pathway to bring more Iowans into high-demand fields,” said Beth Townsend, Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “It’s no secret that IT professionals are a highly sought-after talent base. This program helps give dislocated workers a skillset and a quick turnaround into a promising career.”

Each program participant will receive a laptop at no cost to them, and those who complete the full course will get to keep their equipment. IowaWORKS career planners will help guide participants through the course and ensure they have the support necessary to be job-ready. Iowa currently has more than 2,500 IT-related job openings.

New cohorts for the program will begin each month. For more information on how to get enrolled in the program, reach out to your local IowaWORKS office or contact Jama Robinson at jama.robinson@iwd.iowa.gov or 319-365-9474 ext 31202.

###An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program
Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities.
www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov

Growth & Innovation: JobWorks Training Division stands ‘poised for the years ahead’

FORT WAYNE, IN – JobWorks, a Fort Wayne-based non-profit, has provided workforce, education, and consulting solutions for more than 30 years, serving customers throughout Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and California. Its primary area of focus is supporting public workforce participants in acquiring skills and credentials for higher-paying jobs and short-term training programs that span a long list of occupations and industries. JobWorks started JobWorks Education and Training System over 8 years ago to provide another option of job seekers to earn short-term industry-recognized credentials as they work to re-enter and/or move up in the workforce.

Now, as the National Director, overseeing JobWorks Education and Training Systems (JETS) is John Casella, who has been with the organization since 2015.

“After building the foundation for JETS over the past several years, I am excited to now lead the division and take our work to the next level,” said Casella. “Our pioneering approach to IT training is needed now more than ever, considering the profound changes to our workforce caused by COVID-19.”

Helping to support an alternative and innovative learning solution is JobWorks’ flagship product, TechWorks – an all-virtual, classroom-based IT boot camp that prepares students of diverse backgrounds for higher-paying tech careers.

“We are poised for the years ahead to continue developing innovative products that connect aspiring IT professionals to the growth, excitement, and opportunity of an ever-evolving IT industry,” Casella said.

Each year JobWorks serves more than 10,000 customers with its workforce career counseling and education services. In addition, annually, more than 200 organizations acquire high-impact talent and develop their employee-base with the help of JobWorks.

In addition to Casella’s promotion, JobWorks has hired two new team members have been added. Alex McNeil, who came to JobWorks from the Urban League of Philadelphia, joins the team as a Philadelphia-based operations manager. Kristin Maybriar brings her experience with The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services to her new role at JobWorks as an operations manager based in the Midwest.

We are excited to have Kristin and Alex join our team,” said Chief Operating Officer Tom Kavanagh. “Each brings a level of enthusiasm and experience that will help our organization thrive. Their strengths and skills in program design, project management, and stakeholder engagement will allow us to continue to grow, innovate, and expand our current training programs.

“The work we put in ultimately leads us to help both individuals and businesses,” said Kavanagh. “We assist job seekers in obtaining the necessary skills that will help them earn their next career opportunity, as well as connect, businesses to qualified candidates.”

To learn more about JobWorks mission and its programs, visit www.jobworksincorported.org.