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Wia Training Programs Benefit Rural Youth, Employers

Jan. 30, 2001
No. 01-33

Employers in St. Michael, Alaska, are taking advantage of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Employment Training Program, to get the skilled workforce they need. And local youth are benefiting with new skills and jobs. 

"The WIA training program has allowed me to have other employees assist in training which I couldn't afford to do without its support," says John Shipton, manager of the Alaska Commercial Store. "I am very supportive of the WIA Youth Training program. It has worked very well for me and my employees." 

Through the WIA Youth Training Program, Shipton trained Barbara Wasky to be his store's accounting clerk. Wasky began her work experience training in September 2000 as a clerk/stocker. In December, Shipton hired Barbara to work for him full-time. 

The City of St. Michael trained and hired a Suicide Prevention Specialist in December with funding from the WIA Out of School Youth training program. Lydia Tom began her training with the city in July as a general office clerk and is currently working on her GED with the intention of making a career in the field of suicide prevention.

The St. Michael's project is the result of an April 2000, Youth WIA request for proposals (RFP) through the Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Nome Job Training and Work Readiness office. Youth vendors that are awarded these projects work with local employers to establish training work sites. The Traditional Village of St. Michael used the grant to establish the work sites for their community. Grants typically cover work site related training, such as salaries, and other classroom related educational activities that benefit youth. 

The Department of Labor and Workforce Development anticipates releasing another RFP this coming April for new youth training programs throughout most of the State.

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