Program Authorization: R.S. 46:2521
The mission of the Training Program of the Office of Women Services is to provide employment skills, training and career opportunities for the unemployed through a holistic approach, enabling them to attain economic self-sufficiency.
The goal of the Training Program of the Office of Women Services is to provide excellent employment skills training and career opportunities to those qualified resulting in job-ready employees to meet job market demands.
The Office of Women's Services has training and employment programs located in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Lake Charles that provide career assessment, testing, classroom training, counseling, employment preparation and placement services. The non-traditional training programs are open entry/open exit workforce preparation programs basically designed for women who are economically disadvantaged, unemployed, dislocated workers or are FindWork participants. Non-traditional training program length varies from 9 to 12 weeks. Program trainees learn skills in basic electricity, industrial wiring, circuitry, AC/DC motors, mechanical devices and systems, blueprint reading and schematics and applied mathematics including algebra, geometry and basic computer literacy.
A special component available for the first time in 1998-99 provides orientation sessions and workshops to prepare women to seek employment in highway and bridge construction in the Baton Rouge and New Orleans area. The course also includes classroom and :hands-on" lab work in the principles and operation of mechanical and electrical assemblies, applied mathematics, blueprints and safe and proper use of hand tools. Physical fitness classes are provided to improve stamina and upper body strength.
An important feature of the training programs is employment preparation activities such as job search techniques, understanding the application process and preparing for interviews. Special attention is paid to improving communications, assertiveness, self-esteem and self-assessment skills. A job placement specialist matches students with appropriate jobs leading on employment for the participant.
Career enhancement services are offered to participants who do not need skills training but who need employment preparation services. These services may include: career testing and assessment, career exploration, resume workshops, career counseling, employment preparation/job search workshops and job placement assistance.
Training and Employment Centers have proven to be highly successful in placing women in jobs that are higher than the current minimum wage rate. Women placed in jobs through the Training and Employment Centers averaged salary of $6.76 an hour to start. This higher wage rate started many women on the way to becoming economically self-sufficient and freeing themselves and their families from relying on government subsidized assistance payments.
OBJECTIVES AND PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Unless otherwise indicated, all objectives are to be accomplished during or by the end of FY 1999-2000. Performance indicators are made up of two parts: name and value. The indicator name describes what is being measured. The indicator value is the numeric value of level achieved within a given measurement period. For budgeting purposes, performance indicator values are shown for the prior fiscal year, the current fiscal year, and alternative funding scenarios (continuation budget level and Executive Budget recommendation level) for the ensuing fiscal year (the fiscal year of the budget document).
RESOURCE ALLOCATION FOR THE PROGRAM
SOURCE OF FUNDING
The source of funding for this program is from State General Fund, Interagency Transfers and Fees and Self-generated Revenues. The Interagency Transfers are Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) funds received from the Department of Labor for training women in non-traditional jobs. Self-generated Revenue is derived from the local service delivery areas to provide training services.
The total means of financing for this program is recommended at 85.6% of the existing operating budget. It represents 73.9% of the total request ($1,156,266) for this program. The net decrease for this program over existing operating budget is mainly due to nonrecurring Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act funds from DOTD.
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This program does not have funding for Professional Services for Fiscal Year 1999-2000. |
OTHER CHARGES
ACQUISITIONS AND MAJOR REPAIRS
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This program does not have funding for Acquisitions and Major Repairs for Fiscal Year 1999-2000. |
