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WorkPaths, established in 2006, is a workforce development strategy operating as a program of Central Dallas Ministries focusing on pre-employment training to equip our neighbors with the essential skills needed to enter the workforce or if they desire, to continue with additional training and/or education endeavors leading to living-wage jobs which offer a career path and benefits.
Programs offered through WorkPaths put individuals on a path to enter the workforce equipped with the skills needed to get and keep living-wage jobs (jobs which start at $9-$15 per hour) which offer a career path and benefits. WorkPaths accomplishes this by providing intense workplace (soft) skills and hard skills training paired with a working "life plan" preparing participants for employment in high demand occupations in the commercial construction and environmental remediation industries and the general workplace. The programs additionally ready participants for further education and training if necessary to assist them in reaching their employment goals. Training is provided through collaborative and contractual arrangements with the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) as well as academic and proprietary institutions in conjunction with other components developed by WorkPaths.
Workplace/Life Skills training is designed to ensure the success of individuals as they enter the workforce and include:
Professional Studies: Studies are presented in a context which teaches practical approaches in applied business practices; additionally, the training incorporates computer competency and basic business applications found in the world of work.
Personal Development: Financial literacy, communication skills, relational dynamics, problem solving skills, stress management, giving and receiving criticism are taught as well as development of an individualized "work/life plan" which all work collectively to give participants a more complete "tool kit" to utilize in getting and keeping employment, pursuing educational and training pursuits and adds to the overall quality of life.
Hard Skills training is provided in areas appropriate to the interests of participants and include core construction skills, environmental remediation practices, safety and health courses, and computer literacy competencies including Microsoft Office applications. WorkPaths focuses on educating and training participants to be successful no matter what their chosen field. It's not just about finding a "job" but it's about improving all aspects of a person's life and the skills learned through WorkPaths’ programs will open the door to new opportunities and equip our neighbors to soar.
Build4Success, a construction and environmental remediation worker training program, is conducted in partnership with OAI, Inc., a national workforce development consortium. The training is a federally funded program designed to prepare workers for careers within the commercial construction and environmental remediation industries. Training consists of a formal 12-week course and classes are held Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 3:30pm. The program includes health and safety certificates, introductory skills in carpentry, welding, plumbing and electrical. Utilizing practical hands-on laboratory training along with classroom instruction, participants learn basic techniques. Basic blueprint reading is covered along with a through overview of the construction industry and the varied careers available in commercial construction, environmental remediation and emerging careers in “green” jobs. Life and workplace skills, professional studies, and job match assistance are included as part of this training program.
There are limited slots available for the training program. Candidates must go through an application and selection process designed to help WorkPaths and referring agencies determine which candidates are best qualified based on their temperament, interests and determination. This program is conducted by WorkPaths in conjunction with the Construction Education Foundation, North Lake College, and GEBCO Associates. Even though the formalized portion of the training is 12 weeks, involvement with candidates prior to selection and extensive involvement following the classroom portion of the training assists with career guidance and job matching with employers.
Path2Success, a Microsoft Office and Business Fundamentals training program, is conducted in partnership with Bill J Priest/El Centro College and with the support of Microsoft Corporation. Training allows individuals to gain greater computer competencies in the Microsoft Office Suites and consists of a 10-week course covering Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Microsoft Explorer, as well as business fundamentals and workplace skills. Classes are half-day, Monday- Thursday and life and workplace skills, professional studies, and career guidance and job match assistance are also included as part of this training program.
There are limited slots available for the training. Candidates must go through an application and selection process designed to determine candidates best qualified based on their temperament, interests and determination.
Central Dallas Ministries Support Services In addition to providing WorkPaths’ case management, program participants have access to relevant services within the broader network of Central Dallas Ministries, which can aid them throughout their training endeavors. Central Dallas Ministries’ Food Pantry, Resource Center, Community Health Services, and other services are available to all trainees and their families.
WorkPaths is not a placement agency; however, the WorkPaths staff works extensively with program participants in job matching. Established relationships with local businesses provide an open door for WorkPaths' graduates, enabling them an advantage in applying for jobs in the area. Their training and newly acquired skills will enable them to walk through those doors with confidence. The WorkPaths staff works side by side with program participants throughout the career selection, job match and interview processes.
WorkPaths is quickly gaining a reputation as the “go to” program for quality workforce development training. With its holistic approach and focus on people, WorkPaths offers a more complete picture of hope. It isn't just about a "job" -- it's about a life.
For more information on WorkPaths Training Programs, please call our Information Line at
214-823-4409, Extension 300.
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