In Attendance
· Vida Wilkinson, College of Technology
· Janet Van Dyke, Vocational Rehabilitation
· Jodi Rasmussen, Lifelong Learning Center
· Maggie Driscoll, Human Resource Council
· Wolf Ametsbichler, Missoula Job Service
· Michelle Dorsey, Missoula Job Service
Agenda
Full CMT Group Meeting
A date for a Full CMT Group Meeting was set for Tuesday, September 18, 2012 from 3 – 5 p.m. at Mountain West Bank on Great Northern Avenue. Please mark your calendar. The meeting will feature a reconnect with all CMT partners, as well as an informational update about activities, issues and opportunities from each member organization. We will also get more detailed input and thoughts from everyone about the Cross-Training event noted below. (More on that to be announced soon.)
Cross-Training Event
A date for the Cross-Training Event was set for Thursday, November 15, 2012 at the Lifelong Learning Center. More information on format, timing and content will come as the date approaches, but please mark your calendar.
One-Stop Re-certification Process
Director of the State Workforce Investment Board Leisa Smith recently visited Missoula to receive feedback on proposed changes to the One-Stop Certification process. Several CMT Core group members were in attendance. Overall feedback from across the state has not been positive.
Updates
Vida – College of Technology
The College of Technology is focusing on the needs of business and industry in the area and talking with the Missoula Economic Partnership to provide more customized training for businesses. This summer training has focused on CDL licensure, CNA certification and the culinary arts. The West Campus COT hopes to acquire a mobile CDL lab and a hospital simulation lab. The CNA program has a waiting list and is incorporating a for-credit class this fall to help students planning on entering the Practical Nursing program qualify for financial aid.
The COT was recently part of a consortium with the State Department of Labor and Industry on a Trade Adjustment Act (TAA) grant. They expect to hear the status of the grant this fall.
Maggie – Human Resource Council
No official word yet on the grant for Youth Ex-Offenders. The Summer Lunch program in Superior is serving 50 kids a day on average. The Department of Public Health and Human Services awarded a $100,000 grant to HRC for summer employment for teens age 16 – 17, but there are strict qualifications.
Janet – Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation is recruiting a new counselor for the Polson office and a new Support Staff Supervisor in Kalispell. Candidates must be willing to obtain a Master’s degree in counseling. Certified applicants are preferred.
Jodi – Lifelong Learning Center
The Lifelong Learning Center saw a slight reduction in funding for the Adult Basic Education program. The next year and a half will focus on awareness and program changes related to changes in the GED program. LLC is working with the COT to more closely align curriculum for lower level math and developmental writing courses. Screening will improve for Transition to College courses so students at higher or lower levels can succeed. The LLC is hopeful that eventually students failing developmental courses at The University of Montana can earn credit for the course through the ABE program, instead of paying to retake the class. Please also see the following information on new GED requirements.
Wolf – Missoula Job Service
Funding for Dislocated Worker is up 10 percent, the Western MT Timber grant was extended through the end of December and the National Emergency Grant providing on-the-job training funds (OJTs) was extended through June 2014. This program allows for wage subsidies to an employer during training of up to 90% wage up to 6 months. The Incumbent Worker Training program remains popular. The Job Service is responding to the layoff of 24 people at SkyWest. Many affected workers are interested in training programs. The Job Service should receive word soon regarding a grant for Veterans.
Unemployment Insurance is shifting its focus toward enforcing work search requirements. No-show rates for claimants on extended unemployment benefits that require an office visit and verification of a effective job search (EUC REA) continue to hover around 50 percent.
