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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 nationa
workforce development agency, WorkPaths offers a12-week
course to low-income workers ready to take the next step toward a
career
providing meaningful work and adequate income for sustaining families.
WorkPaths
won a National Workforce
Development Award from the Construction Users
Roundtable in 2007. Through WorkPaths’
partnership
with Bill J Priest/El Centro College and with the support of the
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.
WorkPaths
–
Winner
of 2007
Workforce Development Award from the Construction Users Roundtable
Office Number: 214.823.4409
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/hour)
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," thereby preparing participants for employment in high
demand jobs in the construction industry and in the general office
environment.
The programs also prepare 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 is
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 self-image, goal setting,
communication with coworkers
and supervisors, team building exercises as well as development of an
individualized "work/life plan" are taught including assistance with
the job search process.
Personal
Development: Training in financial literacy, 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:
·
Core construction skills
·
First Aid/CPR/AED
·
HAZWOPER 40
·
OSHA 30
·
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," 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.
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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 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 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 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 programs, WorkPaths offers a more complete picture of hope.
It isn't
just about a "job" -- it's about a life.
For more information,
contact Andrea Bills, Director of WorkPaths, at 214.823.4409 or ABills@CentralDallasMinistries.org.
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