Watauga JobLink Career Center
207 Winkler's Creek Road
Boone, NC 28607
Ph: (828) 265-5385
Fax: (828) 265-5410
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Workforce Development Stimulus Activities
Workforce Development Activities Under the ARRA
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), signed by the President on February 17, 2009, is intended to preserve
and create jobs, promote the nation's economic recovery, and to assist those most impacted by the recession. Although the
portion of the economic stimulus package which is dedicated to the workforce development system is less than one-half of one
percent of the total, the system is well-positioned to help eligible citizens enter temporary employment and to develop the new
skills that will be needed when the economy begins to turn around.
Funds are to be used to provide career assessments, remedial and occupational training, and job search assistance to
unemployed workers; to help youth access the services they need to pursue education and employment; to assist businesses in
hiring qualified workers; and to conduct other activities that can aid in the recovery of local, regional, and state economies. Activities
must be provided in accordance with Workforce Investment Act (WIA) requirements for adults, dislocated workers, and youth.
Local Services
As part of the ARRA, the High Country Workforce Area is the recipient of approximately $1.75 million to assist those individuals
and businesses most affected by the region's economic downturn. Services are being provided throughout the High Country through
JobLink Career Centers.
In addition, the Workforce Development Board commissioned the creation of a website focused exclusively on the economic and job
conditions in the High Country. Recovery in the High Country.com
provides a spectrum of useful and timely information, targeted to public officials, workforce professionals, and citizens. Job search
information, WIA programs information, entrepreneurial resources, budgeting and foreclosure prevention assistance, grant awards, and the
latest economic development news are all available at the site, along with an extensive catalog of events, trainings, and networking opportunities.
Youth Services
The intent of ARRA youth funding is to create summer employment opportunities under the guidelines of the Workforce Investment Act. Get REAL Youth Services places youth in summer jobs while building career readiness skills. Services are targeted to youth whose family income falls below the federal poverty level and who face certain specific barriers to employment. Youth and young adults must be between 16-24 years of age to participate.
Youth are placed at government, non-profit, or private sector work sites where real work and on-going supervision are provided. Wages are paid by the Workforce Investment Act while young people get the opportunity to learn marketable job skills and work sites gain temporary workers. Placements are varied and may include work such as entry-level clerical, grounds maintenance, and customer service jobs. A work readiness component is also incorporated in these summer jobs. Workers participate in workshops that focus on job readiness skills and career awareness to include opportunities in ''green'' jobs, customer service, and other demand areas. They also prepare for the Career Readiness Certificate (CRC), a nationally recognized certification confirming that an individual has the skills needed in today's workplace such as applied math, reading for information, and locating information.
Adult/Dislocated Worker Services
It is the intent of ARRA to provide the necessary services to adult and dislocated worker customers through the JobLink Career Center system to support entry or reentry into the job market. Assessments and individualized career counseling are available to support successful training and job search activities that align with areas of anticipated economic and job growth. Training services are available to help workers gain or increase skills to compete for high growth career opportunities as the economy improves. Training services may include occupational skills training, on-the-job training, services that combine workplace training and related instruction, job readiness training, and adult education and literacy training. Supportive services are available to assist individuals for participation in program activities.
Business Services
The local workforce system recognizes that businesses play a significant role in economic recovery efforts. Currently, grant funds are available statewide for businesses to train their existing workforce in areas to make the business remain competitive. This funding is available through a competitive grant application process. Businesses also have the opportunity to utilize on-the-job training (OJT) services. On-the-job training participants are appropriate individuals who are already enrolled in Workforce Investment Act (WIA) services or who are eligible for WIA services. Additionally, some youth and adult customers participate in work based learning opportunities with private sector, public sector, and not-for-profit worksites. Participation and cooperation from businesses, government agencies, and human service organizations is essential to provide these services effectively and efficiently.
Resources/Guidelines:
Training and Employment Guidance Letter No. 14-08
http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/attach/TEGL/TEGL14-08acc.pdf
For up to date information on NC Stimulus activities visit
www.ncrecovery.gov
For information on national stimulus activities visit
www.recovery.gov
For more specific information about local workforce development economic stimulus information please send
an email to economicstimulus@highcountrywdb.com
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