Document text
State will train people with jobs To help workers keep up with change By David Preszler Government work-force training efforts are targeting a new portion of the state�s population: Employees who already have jobs. While past efforts have focused on moving more people into the work force or on helping displaced workers learn new skills, the state has now set aside $3 million in federal funding to help the current work force keep up with changing market conditions. "With the fast rate that technology and global competition move, it�s important to keep up," says Pat Grose of the Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Work Force Development, the agency responsible for doling out funds. Grose says the new model recognizes that Oregon workers are at risk of losing their jobs unless they get needed training. The shift in training focus was created by the federal Worker Investment Act, passed by Congress last year. Employers, business groups and training organizations such as community colleges can apply for training grants. There is a catch: Every dollar must be matched in either cash or non-cash contributions by the parties applying for the grant. State and local work-force development advocates hailed the move as an important first step toward meeting continuing training needs. "It�s a real change in state policy in looking at current employee programs and saying they need a shot," says Dennis Alexander of Rogue Valley Workforce Development Council. Of course, $3 million spread around the state is hardly a windfall. But Alexander says it is a good first step. Grose notes that the real push is to stimulate partnerships between government and private industry. Requests for the first round of grants will be accepted through Oct. 13. Applications are available online at www.workforce.state.or.us or by calling Renee Rowley at (503) 373-1995, Ext. 233. For information, call Grose at (503) 373-7084. The state estimates that eight to 12 grants will be awarded and range from $10,000 to $75,000; the maximum allowed is $300,000. The grants are intended to support projects that "lead to skills training that enables people to obtain and retain family wage jobs." Specific uses could include things such as: determining future employment and training needs among businesses, labor organizations or industry associations; developing, testing and applying programs to get participants into high-demand employment quickly; and developing employer-based training programs. Applicants must partner with education and work-force training providers in their area and applications will be reviewed by regional boards. The Rogue Valley Workforce Development Council fills that role in Jackson and Josephine counties. After reviewing the guidelines, Alexander says he is a little concerned about how easy it will be for small and medium business to participate. He said guidelines make it easier for large employers or groups to secure the funding. The work-force council will discuss ways to make funding more available to smaller businesses or groups at its next meeting, at 7:30 a.m. Sept. 14 at the Education and Resource Center in the Rogue Valley Mall. Grose says the state is dedicated to reaching out to smaller businesses, but that local partnerships are the best way for that to happen. Though the smaller grants are expected to be around $10,000, Grose notes that there is no minimum � small grants will be given to small business, making it easier to meet the match. Obituaries | Sports | Business | Classifieds | Tempo | Prime Times | So Oregon Sites | Outdoor Journal | Subscribe | Contact | Movies | Advertise | Real Estate Showcase | Archive | Editorials | Letters to the editor | Religion | Wake-up Call | NIE | Cyber Chef | Job Network | So Oregon Weather | WSJ Northwest | Forums | AP Wire | AP Money | F.A.Q. | Awards Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. The Community Newspaper Subsidiary of Dow Jones & Co, Inc Copyright �The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA