Beth Washington, served among the initial members of the 2006 realigned workforce service area, Region 4. Beth was elected to lead the newly configured Region 4 Workforce Board, and set a firm foundation for the Board to mature to the governing body that we have today. Beth also served as Vice President and a member of the Executive Committee
Hire Pathways provides Workforce Investment Act eligible, out-of-school youth, ages 17-21 an opportunity to earn a GED or high school diploma, assistance with transitioning to post-secondary education,short –term occupational skills training for jobs in demand, and/or,Participate in a six week “learn and earn” program, where participants are paid while learning, and demonstrating their work readiness soft skills The four pathways are designed to accommodate single or simultaneous participation. Enrollment is based upon meeting an individuals most immediate needs , which are based on an individual’s assessment and their career and employment goals.Over 68 out-of-school youth participated in Hire Pathways during program year 2011.
Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG)JAG continues to deliver high school graduates from the at-risk youth population that comprise the program’s students. During the 2011-12 school year the program graduated thirty-four of the 35 seniors and attained a 97% graduation rate. During program year 2011 their were 35 seniors and 45 juniors enrolled in JAG programs at Lafayette Jeff, Logansport and Peru high schools. Since JAG’s start in Region 4, 135 students have participated in 62 community service projects and 68 internships.
81.7% placed in education and employment85.2% attained a degree and/or certification56.4% achieved gains in literacy and numeracy
The industries projectingthe greatest future employment opportunities within Region 4 are: Transportation and Warehousing, Healthcare and Social Assistance, Educational Services, and Professional Scientific and Technical Services. The projections reflect a change in sectors measured from last year’s plan, resulting in an employment increase projection of 5.7% total employment for the projection period.
One-hundred two staff members at the Region’s WorkOne Centers, Express Sites and Access points provided 222,772 services to 37,461 customers last year. Their conscientious attention to detail while providing superior customer services has made region 4 among the top performers in achieving the Workforce Investment Act Common Measure Goals. I’m happy to report this evening that the region has met or exceeded all of the common measure goals for adult and dislocated workers. As you see from the projected graph, 64.9% of those served entered employment and of those, 82% retained employment.
