In Attendance
· Jeanne Stone, Montana Vocational Rehabilitation
· Thomas Smith, WORD
· Maggie Driscoll, Human Resource Council XI
· Mary Drew Powers, Missoula Public Library
· Michelle Dorsey, Missoula Job Service
· Vida Wilkinson, Missoula College UM
· Wolf Ametsbichler, Missoula Job Service
· Monique Fortmann, The Lifelong Learning Center
· Michelle Parks, Child Care Resources
· Wendy Mair, Rural Employment Opportunities
Agenda
Update on GED
Pearson VUE recently purchased the GED Testing Service. The current GED test was created in 2002 and due for a redesign in 2012, but with Pearson’s backing, a new test will debut in 2014.
The updated GED will now include not only multiple-choice questions, but short answer and fill-in-the-blank as well. It will also be entirely computer based, which may be a challenge for some test takers with low computer skills. Currently the GED is offered as a paper test. Fees for the test will double the first year it is offered and what pricing may be after the first year is uncertain.
A number of states, including Montana, are investigating alternative tests due to the changes Pearson has made to the GED. Selecting an alternative testing company raises a number of issues:
· Will Montana colleges, universities and employers accept something other than the GED as equivalent to a high school diploma?
· Will out-of-state companies or schools accept an alternative standard?
· Would testing centers be allowed to give multiple tests (such as the GED and an alternative standard) to those who need it?
· Would the military accept a different test?
A panel of experts will examine all options at a closed hearing January 30, 2013. Monique Fortmann, director of The Lifelong Learning Center, is a panel member and interested in hearing from CMT partners and the community on the proposed changes to the high school equivalency standard. Please forward any input you may have to her at mfortmann (at) mcps . k12 . mt . us.
Regardless of what test Montana chooses to adopt, anyone who hasn’t finished their GED by December 21, 2013 will need to start over with the new test.
Community Resource Fair Feedback
The group reviewed feedback from vendors and staff who attended the Community Resource Fair on November 15. One-hundred and fifty-eight people attended the event. Overall feedback was positive and we received great suggestions on how to improve the event.
Recommendations for the next cross-training event include:
· Refocusing on staff training
· Establishing a survey for attendees to give feedback after the event
· Timing
o Moving future cross-training events to spring (March/April) instead of fall
o Prepping for events with a Full CMT meeting 2 – 3 weeks before the event
· Prompt materials to help staff feel more comfortable asking questions and interacting
o Lists of vendors and locations
A future event may be held in the spring of 2014.
Updates
Thomas – WORD
It is a busy time of year for WORD. They held an Open House Friday, December 7 at their new location next to the YWCA and Secret Seconds: 1124 Cedar Street, Missoula, MT 59802.
Maggie – HRC XI
HRC is busy as well. The CHIMES computer program is causing some issues for participants.
Wolf – Missoula Job Service
ALCOM, an aluminum trailer manufacturer from Maine, was in Missoula last week interviewing for the Production Manager and Purchasing Agent positions. The company will relocate some staff from Maine to get up and running by February 1, 2013. Approximately 60 positions will open in the next month, with eventually 200 – 300 positions over the next two years. Wages will start around $15 an hour for welders (certified and entry-level experience) with full benefits.
Hostess laid off about 16 people in the Missoula area with nearly 200 affected in Montana. Unemployment Insurance will be determining benefits on a case-by-case basis. The state is writing a National Emergency Grant to help these people land on their feet.
Vann’s is laying off 15 people, mostly HR and non-sales positions.
The resource room is busy and job orders are down from summer highs of around 400 to about 260 open positions.
Federal Emergency Unemployment Compensation is scheduled to end on December 31 unless Congress votes to extend the legislation. In some states people were eligible for up to 99 weeks of unemployment benefits through normal state benefits and federal extensions. Over 4,000 Montana beneficiaries were recently sent letters notifying them of the end of extended benefits.
Marcy Allen of BREDD has been working with Mineral County to put more resources into the community.
Vida – Missoula College UM
The parking lot is full as fall semester wraps up and finals week kicks off. Kevin Brockbank, College!NOW co-chair, is leaving next week. Missoula College received a grant to work on dual credit, dual enrollment courses and need to hire someone to help get the program running by June 30, 2013. Missoula College continues to hold meetings on the new buildings at what is currently the university golf course.
Monique – LLC
The new winter schedule is out and registration is open. The bleachers in the gym have been removed and salvaged to better facilitate fitness trainer certification. (The Lifelong Learning Center is the only place in the state able to certify fitness trainers.) The front office will be renovated in June to better meet staff needs.
Michelle – CCR
Child Care Resources is busy with finals week and Wintersession planning. Some CHIP money will be spent on implementing an online application and provider processing system, to be up and running in June.
Mary – Missoula Public Library
The library is busy keeping up with technology to serve their customers, especially tablets and eReaders.
Wendy – REO
Wendy recently started at REO and is located downstairs in the Missoula Job Service. Although Missoula County is not designated a rural county, REO can still assist those who have done primarily agricultural work and are low income. Spouses and children may also be eligible for training assistance.
