Ball Rolling on Adult Job Program
by October 3, 2011 3:43 pm 76 views
The Workforce Alliance for Growth in the Economy program is in the startup phase at the Fayetteville Adult Education Center at 612 S. College Ave.
The program, conducted by the Arkansas Department of Career Education, is a job readiness-training program. There are 19 WAGE centers throughout the state, but this will be the first one in Northwest Arkansas. It is expected to be certified by January.
WAGE includes 112 basic skills competencies — deemed essential by state and national employers — based on the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills.
The program accepts students who assess less than a 12.9 (12th grade, 9th month) grade level and are seeking additional job skills or would like to change occupations.
Participants can earn one of five state-issued certificates — industrial, clerical, employability, bank teller and customer service.
Training is flexible, allowing participants to enroll and exit at any time.
WAGE centers partner with local businesses and industries, which give added consideration in hiring a WAGE certificate holder.
Fayetteville must recruit at least six business/industry partners who agree to recognize WAGE certificates. Lana Clark is Fayetteville’s WAGE coordinator and is leading that process.
The training is free to business and industry partners, incumbent workers and those seeking employment.
“With WAGE, we are upgrading the skills of the work force in Washington County,” FAEC director Kathy Spigarelli said. “That can only lead to more economic development for our area.”