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WorkPaths was
established by Central
Dallas
Ministries
in 2006. Focusing on pre-employment education and training,
programs are designed to provide a path for people and communities into
rewarding careers and self-sufficiency. Through a partnership with OAI,
Inc., a national workforce development agency, WorkPaths
offers a12-week course to low-income workers ready to take the next
step towards a career providing meaningful work and adequate income for
sustaining families. In 2007 this program won a National Workforce
Development Award from the Construction Users Roundtable.
Through WorkPaths’ partnership with Bill J Priest/El Centro
College and with the support of Microsoft Corporation, a
program was developed which allows individuals to gain basic computer
skills in Microsoft Office programs, as well as learn basic business
fundamentals and workplace skills.
An Overview
WorkPaths is a workforce development strategy
operating as a program of Central Dallas Ministries (CDM) focused on pre-employment
training and education to equip our neighbors with the necessary skills
needed to enter the workforce or if they desire, continue with
additional training and/or education.
Program Description
WorkPaths’
programs seek to put
individuals on a path to enter the workforce equipped with the skills
necessary to hold living wage jobs
(jobs which pay between $9-$15) which also offer a long-term career and
benefits. WorkPaths
accomplishes this goal by providing intense life skills, and hard
skills training paired with a working "life plan" that prepares
participants for employment in high demand jobs in the construction
industry and general office environment. The programs also prepares
participants for further education and training to assist them in
reaching their goals. Training is provided through collaborative and
contractual arrangements with academic and proprietary institutions as
well as other programs developed by CDM.
 Soft Skills/Life Skills training are designed
to ensure the success of individuals as they enter into the workforce
and include:
Professional Studies:
presented in a context teaching practical approaches in applied math
and writing; additionally, the training incorporates computer literacy
and basic business applications found in the workplace.
Career Guidance: appearance
and image, goal setting, communications skills with coworkers and
supervisors, networking and marketing, team building exercises as well
as development of an individualized "work/life plan" are taught as well
as assistance with resume writing and interviewing skills that
continues through the job search process.
Personal Development:
Training in financial
literacy, fitness and nutrition, family dynamics, getting along with
others, problem solving skills, stress management, giving
and receiving criticism all work together to give participants a more
complete "tool kit" to utilize in getting and keeping employment,
pursuing educational and training pursuits and to their overall quality
of life.
Hard Skills training will be provided in areas
appropriate to the interests of participants:
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Core construction skills
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First Aid/CPR/AED
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HAZWOPER 40;
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mold, lead and asbestos training
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OSHA 10
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OSHA 30
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Computer Literacy, including Microsoft
applications and Internet
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 new doors and equip our neighbors to soar.
| OAI Component |
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The Construction/Environmental
Worker Training is conducted in partnership with
OAI, Inc., This 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 in basic construction skills
including a “green jobs” component and overview of environmental
remediation. The program includes health and safety certificates,
introductory skills in carpentry, welding, plumbing and electrical.
Utilizing hands-on instruction in proper use of hand and power
tools, along with classroom instruction, participants learn basic
construction techniques. Basic blueprint reading is covered
along with a through overview of the construction industry and the
varied careers available in commercial construction.
Mentoring, life and workplace skills, professional studies,
and job placement assistance are included in this training program.
There are limited slots
available for this training. 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. The program is
offered annually beginning in February. 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
placement.
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Central
Dallas
Ministries
Support Services
WorkPaths also provides participants with
access to relevant programs within the broader network of Central
Dallas Ministries programs, which can help aid and sustain throughout
their training. CDM’s food pantry and resource center, Community Health
Services (including dental, pharmaceutical and pediatric services) and
law offices are available to all trainees and their families. These
programs offer basic infrastructural support for trainees providing
them with essential support during the period of their training.
Employment Opportunities
WorkPaths is not a placement agency; however, the
WorkPaths staff works extensively with program participants in their
job search efforts. Established relationships with local businesses provide an
open door for WorkPaths' participants into their offices, enabling them
an advantage in applying for jobs in the area. Their training and their
newly acquired skills will enable them to walk through those doors with
confidence. The WorkPaths staff works side by side with program
participants through the career selection, job search and interview
process. The staff is also available to employers for
assistance
WorkPaths is quickly gaining a reputation as the “go to” program for quality workforce
training. With its holistic approach and its focus on the
people rather than the programs, WorkPaths offers a more
complete picture of hope. It isn't just about a "job" -- it's
about a life.
For
more information
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