In Attendance
- Wolf Ametsbichler, Missoula Job Service
- Michelle Dorsey, Missoula Job Service
- Monique Fortmann, Lifelong Learning Center
- Jeannine Lovell, Homeword
- Mickey Lyngholm, Missoula College UM
- Jude Monson, Summit Independent Living Center
- Adam Ragsdale, Missoula Housing Authority
- Thomas Smith, WORD
- Megan Westover, Mountain Home Montana
Agenda
National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC)/WorkKeys
The National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) is another component of the Strengthening Workforce Alignment in Montana’s Manufacturing and Energy Industries (SWAMMEI) grant. The NCRC is awarded at four different levels representing the level of basic job skill possessed. It may be useful for people who have been out of the workforce and need to build their confidence or assess their employability. The NCRC consists of three WorkKeys assessments: Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics and Locating Information. Each section of the test is 50 minutes long, but they do not have to be taken in one sitting. Sample questions can be viewed at http://www.act.org/workkeys/assess/sample.html.Mickey Lyngholm will be able to offer the NCRC in the near future. The first 500 tests administered statewide are free. If you are interested in taking the test to gauge its usefulness, please contact Mickey.
Updates
Missoula Job Service
Montana received a $5 million National Emergency Grant aimed at dislocated workers and the long-term unemployed. The grant provides on-the-job training, classroom training or a combination of both to help return people to the workforce. On-the-job training will reimburse up to 90 percent of wages for up to six months of training, depending on the training required and employer size. The grant expires in 2016.All unemployment insurance claimants may be required to visit their local Job Service office for a one-on-one Worker Profiling appointment to discuss their job search needs. Multiple appointments may be required. The goal of Worker Profiling is to avoid long-term unemployment for claimants. It also serves as an enforcement tool: benefits may be stopped if a claimant fails to show for an appointment. Currently, a random sample of UI claimants are selected for appointments after filing a claim. This change may occur in November or December of this year. Anyone selected for Worker Profiling is eligible for the National Emergency Grant mentioned above.
The unemployment rate is low and wages are starting to rise in response. It seems like the new low wage is $12. A higher minimum wage may be enacted by the federal government soon. Skilled trades positions in particular are hard to fill. Some employers are looking to train or source workers in alternative ways.
A fresh pot of money is available for Incumbent Worker Training. Funding is allocated statewide and spent on a first come, first serve basis. Over 25 businesses were funded last year in our area.
Office traffic is down to an average of 90 – 110 people per day. Many job seekers have intensive needs and are deficient in basic skills or in specific job search areas, such as resumes or interviewing.
The Annual Health Fair is moving to the University of Montana this January and will fill all three floors of the University Center. Missoula Job Service is considering adding a health career fair piece.
Mickey Lyngholm will be co-located at the Missoula Job Service office Mondays, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and Thursdays, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., starting September 22.
Missoula Housing Authority
Construction on apartments damaged in last year’s fire should finish by early 2015 at the latest. The second phase of the rural development program is wrapping up. Construction will complete on September 20. Round three will begin in the spring. Missoula Housing Authority is still working on their relocation project.The Lifelong Learning Center
HiSET testing is still going well and a high percentage of testers are passing. Currently people who have passed portions of the GED test are able to combine their GED and HiSET test scores to pass the HiSET. After December, testers will be unable to combine their scores and will have to take all sections of the HiSET test to receive their high school equivalency.Satellite education and training programs are offered at the YWCA, Mountain Home and Carol Graham Home. Depending on the location, classes may or may not be open to others.
Access Fitness is offering a free membership while enrolled in a class at their facility in September and October.
Meeting and classroom space is available for very low prices. The largest room can accommodate 30 people. Many in-house trainings are being offered. Topics include: running effective meetings, networking and presenting. Interviews are ongoing for a customer service/front desk person.
WORD
The Futures program works with parents up to age 23. The Tenant Based Rental Assistance program (TBRA) is currently on hold.Homeword
Homeword is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Homebuyer education classes are filling up weeks ahead of time. Financial Fitness classes are down slightly in attendance. Homeword is looking at ways to increase class size.Mountain Home
Mountain Home has 15 women enrolled, of which nine have jobs and three have started school. A second employment coordinator was hired, and a site review is scheduled for October. Mountain Home, along with Gallatin Mental Health and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, received a grant using the individual placement support (IPS) model. Core requirements of IPS include zero exclusion and rapid job development.Summit Independent Living Center
Summit Independent Living Center spent a lot of time working with youth this summer. They continue to work with people applying for housing and social security. Classes are starting again soon. A new person was hired on part time.2015 marks the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Missoula is one of 25 cities nationwide hosting The ADA Legacy Tour. The tour will visit Missoula July 1 – July 4, 2015.
The My Transitions Conference will be held November 5 – November 7, 2014 in Missoula.
