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SCWIB Service Delivery Narratives January 2015

Mr. Neil Bassi, Chairman

The mission of the Southwest Corner Workforce Investment Board is to develop policies, oversee public funds, and procure services that will help employers and job seekers throughout Washington, Greene and Beaver counties. Job placement assistance, education, training and counseling will be offered in order to achieve a skilled workforce and economic development throughout the region.

Washington, Greene & Beaver Counties, PA

SOUTHWEST CORNER WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD PERFORMANCE REPORTS

Every quarter, the PA CareerLink® operators and Title I providers prepare quarterly reports summarizing their activities related to staff development, service delivery, and community linkages. The following narratives highlight the excellent customer service delivery to job seekers and employers in the Southwest Corner. In addition to the general activities included in this quarter, these narratives include staff development, service delivery, employer recruitments, community linkages, and program success stories.

CONTENTS

PA CAREERLINK NARRATIVES pages 2-14 PACL Beaver County pages 2-7 PACL Greene County pages 7-9

PACL Mon Valley pages 9-11 PACL Washington County pages 12-14

TITLE I/YOUTH PROVIDER UPDATES pages 15-35 Job Training for Beaver County, Inc. pages 15-20

Job Training for Beaver County, Inc. - Youth pages 20-25 Southwest Training Services, Inc. pages 25-31 Southwest Training Services, Inc. - Youth pages 31-35

SCWIB Service Delivery Narratives – 1/2015 Page 1



PA CAREERLINK® SITE UPDATES

OCTOBER 1, 2014 – DECEMBER 31, 2014

PA CareerLink Beaver County Staff Development • Trade Coordination Services conducted Reversion 2014 training for all merit

and Title 1 staff from 10/07 through 10/09. Employment Interviewer Christiana Shaffer attended the 3 day training which covered Trade 101, Co-enrollment/Case Management, Individual Employment Plan, OJT and ATAA.

The following Cross Training was provided to staff during the quarter: • 10/14-Sean Barrett, Admissions Rep., Anna Bartolini, Director of

Financial Aid and Dave Hirak, Admissions Rep., Rosedale Technical College. Located outside Pittsburgh past Moon Twp. Rosedale provides the training for 16 month Associate Degrees in the following areas: Auto Mechanic, Diesel Technology, Electrical Technician School, HVAC Training School and their newest program Industrial Technician. Their programs are Trade/TRA approved and they focus on Job Placement- 98% rate.

• 10/28-Poppy Roros, Education Assessment Coordinator, JTBC, Work Certified Program Overview – An intensive two week program that provides the job seeker with: current credentialing recognized nationally, understanding of the employer perspective, learn hard and soft skills employers’ value, & an opportunity to participate in a class that is run like a business. Program covers 9 modules.

• 11/04-Gail Steck, OVR, District Administrator. The presentation was in recognition of Disabilities Awareness Month in October. Gail provided a Power Point Presentation on the newly created OVR positions. Early Reach Initiative Program Coordinator has been hired and started on 11/17. She will be targeting youth ages 14-16 that may qualify and benefit from OVR services. A Business Services Rep. has also been hired to work directly with employers to promote OVR clients.

• 11/25-Hugh Gallagher, Career Coach, CCBC, Process Technician Training- starting in January 2015. Hugh provided an overview of the Associate Degree in an industry-approved program in two years or less to help prepare for future jobs in the oil and gas industry as well as advanced manufacturing. There is a high demand for Process Technicians in the oil & gas industry and other process industries such as polymers, specialty coatings, food/beverage, energy, wastewater treatment, etc. Process Technicians work in a team that is responsible for operation and maintenance of a manufacturing plant. Process Technicians are also key members of a team that plans, analyzes, and controls all stages of manufacturing beginning with the acquisition of raw materials, conversions of these materials to useful products, and distribution of products to customers.




PA CAREERLINK® SITE UPDATES (CONT.)

• Betsy Kubacki, Franklin University, Training Programs. The school is co-

located on CCBC Campus. Offer in-seat classes for two majors – Business Administration and Healthcare Management. All other courses are on-line. Classes are offered one night a week on campus so people who are working can complete their degree. Franklin accepts more previous college and professional education credits than most other institutions – minimizing the time and money it takes to earn a degree. More than 90% of their undergraduate students have transferred credits from other schools, thanks to Franklin's exceptionally student-friendly transfer credit acceptance policy. At Franklin University, they value previous experience. If someone attended a career or technical school, Franklin will award them up to 24 hours of technical credit toward one of our degree-completion majors. Depending on the major they choose, they will also award college credit for certifications, military service, and on-the-job training.

Service Delivery • 10/03 – The Beaver County Commissioners hosted an informational forum for

the Crawford County Oil & Gas Task Force. The event was held at CCBC and included workforce development/ education round table discussion on best practices, key initiatives to meet workforce demands, recruitment/retention & skill development of industry and partnerships/organizations/educational institutions/departments benefits & challenges. Site Administrator was involved in the planning on the event and facilitated a Workforce Development breakout session.

• 10/17 – Select staff had a meeting at the CCBC Aviation Center regarding 4 programs available: Air Traffic Control, Professional Pilot, UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), and Aerospace Management. CCBC is in the process of petitioning to have these coursed on the Governor’s Approved Training Provider List. We also discussed engaging our youth program to include tours of the facility.

• We held our Annual Re-Entry Conference on October 23rd at CCBC. Each year we partner with Domestic Relations to put on this full day event. We had 121 in attendance to include speakers, presenters and participants. Many referrals were made to partners and service provider.

• PA CareerLink once again held our Annual Job & Career Fair on 10/30 in the Beaver Valley Mall. This year we hosted a total of 85 vendors and over 400 job seekers. This is a large increase from last year (44 vendors and 200 job seekers). Some other changes include: an increase to our vendor cost from $75.00 last year to $150.00 this year, which allowed for additional marketing/outreach and ensured we covered our costs: opened the event up to training vendors; partnership with the Chamber to engage employers to attend. This was all very beneficial.





• Site Administrator met Joy Doyle, Director of Career Development at

Geneva College to discuss potential partnership with Career Development services on 11/05. Ms. Doyle is referring all of her students to PA CL for services and workshops and she will begin providing a monthly social media workshop on-site.

• CL Program Supervisor participated in a Pittsburgh Technical Institute’s Job Fair on 11/13. Students for the various programs attended and learned how PA CareerLink can assist them with their job search and employment goals. Over 300 students participated.

• During the quarter the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania partnered with Hilton Worldwide, Inc. and joined the Hilton HHonors™ Military Program which is a part of Hilton Worldwide’s Operation Opportunity program. Under the Hilton HHonors™ Military Program, Hilton Worldwide will donate 100,000 rewards points to an eligible veteran’s HHonors Account. These points may be used to support job-search related travel expenses, such as overnight hotel stays, for eligible transitioning service members, veterans, and military spouses. These points may only be used for direct expenses relating to interviewing or relocating after receiving a job offer.

• WorldClass Processing Corporation located in Ambridge PA will be closing in January 2015 impacting 40 workers. Several staff participated in the following activities held on-site at the plant: a fact finding meeting on 09/23, several Rapid Response sessions on 10/16 and two BRI sessions on 12/12. The company has been approved for Trade/TAA.

• WIB Monitoring was conducted on 12/11. The Quality Assurance Questionnaire was provide to Reinette M. Dubich EARN Statistics Coordinator/WIA Oversight Monitor, prior to the date. Results will be distributed at the WIB Meeting.

• PA CL will be hosting a Rapid Response session for Bottom Dollar Foods employees on 01/07. All stores are scheduled to close sometime in January, 2015. There are 65 stores located in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh area.

• PA CareerLink® Beaver County Business Services Team coordinated activities:

o O’Neal Steel requesting a visit to their Ambridge Plant to discuss their hiring needs and how we can assist them. Several BST members went on a tour and participated in a meeting on-site on 11/03.

o B3 Series Workshop was held on 11/20. We had Greenbrier Treatment Center speaking on Prescreening Applicants and HR managers will receive 1.5 credits for attending. Over 30 employers attended.





o BST staff met with Elite Gasfield Services to help recruit CDL

drivers, discussing labor market information and local trucking schools. Elite Gasfield has received 35 qualified candidates through one job posting on CWDS with a positive outlook of hiring the majority of them.

Employer Recruitments held this quarter:

Recruitments YTD

COMPANY No. of Recruitments No. of referrals

Adecco 8 35 Callos 12 25 Choice One Staffing 1 7 Gillman Services (GSI) 1 1 Great Lakes Truck School 1 2 Gregg Services 13 149 Journey Cartage, LLC 3 10 Kelly Educational Staffing 12 57 Liken 28 106 MBS Solutions 1 10 OSS Security 1 15 System One 1 2 Valley National Security Service 8 8

TOTALS: 90 427 New Employers Some of the new employers recently registered on CWDS: *Denotes a PA Targeted Industry Cluster • Building and Construction*

o Holt Outfitters LLC o Homer Nine & Sons, Inc. o Best Builders & General Contractors Inc. o BTG o Badger Daylighting Corp.





• Finance and Insurance

o First Commonwealth Bank o Huntington National Bank o OneMain Financial o Western & Southern Life o Robert Alan Ronca, CPA

• Healthcare o Valley Gastroenterology Associates

• Manufacturing o Standard Horse Nail Co. LLC o Elite Gasfield Services, LLC

• Retail/Hospitality o Mario's Woodfired Pizzeria o Beaver Valley My Place, LLC o Bauman X Office Equipment, Inc.

• Other o G & R Cleaning Service, Inc. o Surge Staffing o Penn State Extension in Beaver County o Elite Gasfield Services, LLC o Middleton Properties West o Borough of Midland

Community Linkages • Site Administrator attended a two “Sip ‘n Say” Public Forums hosted by the

Franklin Center of Beaver County: • 10/12- “Erasing Transportation Barriers in Beaver County”- Discussion

included ways to better serve Beaver County’s aging, shift workers and rural population through transportation.

! 12/12-“Collective Effort to End Domestic Violence” –Discussion on strategies to connect victims to crisis intervention services or incarcerating people who batter and abuse and our organizations can respond to the needs of victims.

• Select staff attended 10/10 The Franklin Center of Beaver County’s event on 10/10 in Aliquippa. The event was to honor their 30 years of continuous service in Beaver County, which included keynote speaker James H. Carter, M.S, one of the original board of directors.

• On 10/15 Site Administrator attended the Leaders Serving Beaver County’s monthly leadership gathering. The speakers were Dale Cottrill and Tod Arbutina, Certified Public Accountants who discussed Transforming the Community and the Beaver County Marketplace.





• Rep. Christiana hosted his 6th Annual Job Fair on 11/13 Penn State Beaver.

PA CL participated. • Select staff participated in a Veterans Recognition Event held at the Beaver

County Senior Center on 11/03. • 12/19- CCBC hosted the PA CareerLink staff on campus for an informational

meeting and overview of their High Demand Training Programs being offered. Those include: Industrial Maintenance Programs, Welder’s Helper with Oil& Gas Emphasis, CDL with Oil& Gas Emphasis, Wastewater Treatment operator Certificate Program, Various levels of GIS Training and Process Technology Associate’s Degree.

PA CareerLink Greene County General • New Staff: Donna Higinbotham, Clerk III for the Western Region is now

stationed at the PACL Greene as of October 14, 2014 Staff Development • Frank Couch and Joan Udovich attended Pennsylvania Department of Labor

training for the Trade Readjustment Act. Training was held at the Pittsburgh East Office, (October 7-9, 2014)

• Meetings were held to review new changes to CWDS for Employers and Job Seekers. This was done as part of the regular staff meetings on Monday’s. This is an ongoing process.

• Right to Know yearly training was conducted. (12/15/2014) • The Barbara Cole completed the 8 week Community Builders Class

sponsored by the Community Foundation of Greene County - December 15, 2014.

Service Delivery • Joan Udovich and Kimberly Mowl represented the CareerLink® at the Senior

Fair sponsored by Senator Solobay and Representative Pam Snyder. (October 3, 2014)

• CareerLink Specialist Derek Forman helped with the planning and the setup of the Waynesburg Area Chamber of Commerce Business to Business Expo, held at the Waynesburg Readiness Center. The event was open to all Greene County Businesses. (October 15, 2015)

• Employment Interviewer Joan Udovich and Case Manager Kimberly Mowl participated in the Waynesburg Area Chamber of Commerce Business to Business Expo. They were available to discuss CareerLink Services for Employers. Derek Forman also participated. (October 16, 2014)

• Frank Couch attended the Rapid Response update meeting at the Mon Valley CareerLink.(November 6, 2014)





• Kimberly Mowl, Joan Udovich and Jillian Chappel represented the CareerLink

and its services at the Career Fair sponsored by the five school districts and the CTC in Greene County. The event was held at the Readiness Center in Waynesburg. (November 20,2014)


Date Company Job title Wage Referrals Hires 10/3/2014 G4S Security Guard $12.00/hr 3 0 10/3/2014 G4S Security Guard $12.00/hr 1 1 10/23/2014 Am-GUARD Security Guard $12.00/hr 28 1 10/28/2014 ATOS Truck Drivers $15.00/hr 30 10 10/28/2014 ATOS Laborers $15.00/hr 1 1 11/19/2014 C&J Welding Miner $21.00/hr 15 2 12/4/2014 G4S Security Guard $12.00/hr 2 0 12/4/2014 G4S Security Guard $12.00/hr 1 0 Totals 81 15

New Employers Some of the new employers recently registered on CWDS: *Denotes a PA Targeted Industry Cluster • Oil & Gas

o Mustang Oil Services, LLC – Waynesburg • Mining

o Alpha Natural Resources, LLC – Waynesburg o Murray American Energy, Inc – Brave

• Healthcare o Golden Living Center – Waynesburg

• Food Service o Bob Evans - Waynesburg

Community Linkages • Barbara Cole, Kimberly Mowl, Jillian Chappel and Lisa Neil attended the

ShaleNet Forum held at the Hilton Garden Inn at Meadowlands. The event was to inform educators and social services staff about careers and career paths available in the gas and oil industry. November 5-6, 2014.

• The Community Foundation of Greene County held their annual banquet at the Fairdale Inn in Carmichaels. Barbara Cole attended and received a Legacy Award. November 12, 2014

• The Barbara Cole participated along with other members of the community in the HRSA Monitoring Of Federal Health Care Services offered in Greene County by Cornerstone Care. December 4-5, 2014.





• Barbara Cole assisted with the Rotary Gala at the Greene County

Courthouse to raise funds for Greene County Charities. December 6, 2014. • Barbara Cole attended weekly Waynesburg Rotary Meetings, Rotary

Executive Board meetings, and monthly Cornerstone Care Board and Executive Board Meetings.

PA CareerLink Mon Valley General • The Quality Assurance Monitoring review was conducted by Reinette

Dubich, SCWIB Monitor, on Friday December 12th. No issues were cited. • New Staff: Bureau of Workforce Partnership & Operations (BWPO) hired an

Employment Interviewer on October 6th. Sarah Ream will provide reemployment services to unemployment compensation recipients, assist jobseekers in the computer resource center, and provide supportive services to the Business Services Team.

• Transitional Employment Consultants (TEC) started renting office space in this PA CareerLink® site as of November 1, 2014.

• Trish Brickner and Lisa Neil toured the California University of PA Convocation Center to explore options to rent for potential job fair events.

• Westmoreland County Community College opted to no longer be a partner effective October 1, 2014.

• The PA CareerLink® Mon Valley Partner meeting was held on December 9th.

Staff Development • Trish Brickner attended the PA WIB Symposium at Penn State on October

15th. • Trish Brickner attended the ShaleNet Workforce Forum on November 5-6. • Hazardous Materials-Right to Know training was conducted on December

9th with all partner staff. • Monthly TAA (Trade Adjustment Assistance) Conference calls have been

re-established beginning December 12th. Doug Short (Employment Interviewer), Zak Brown (CareerLink Specialist), Linda Jack (BWPO Supervisor), and Ellen Durka (WIA Case Manager) participated on December’s call.

• Staff were trained on the referral process when individuals require assistance with navigating the Affordable Healthcare website.

• Trish Brickner and Linda Jack participated in several Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 2014 (WIOA) webinars and conference calls.

• The newly revised Combined Business Plan for the SW Corner Workforce Area was updated and revised effective October 1, 2014. Staff were offered an





overview of the revised plan and the direction that this PA CareerLink service delivery will be going to meet the standards as outlined.

• Updated the Limited English Proficiency Policy for this PACL site. The policy was updated, approved and submitted to Commonwealth of PA on 12/30/2014.

Service Delivery Business Services • Small business start-up workshops were held on Wednesday October 8th and

Wednesday October 22nd. o The first step was Mechanics of Starting a Small Business (October 8)

and 11 individuals participated. o The second step was Developing a Business Plan (October 22) and 15

individuals participated. The workshops were a collaborative team effort of the Small Business Administration and PA CareerLink, Mon Valley. Staff from the Small Business Development Center conducted the workshops.

• Zak Brown (CareerLink Specialist) attended a Monongahela Area Chamber Networking Event on October 16th. He met with local business owners to encourage their participation with PA CareerLink® Mon Valley employer services.

Job Seeker Services

• The annual Mon Valley Job Fair was held on Thursday, October 2nd at the Willow Room, Belle Vernon, PA. Attending were 54 employers seeking to fill over 400 jobs. The total number of job seekers who attended was 250.

• Effective November 3rd, the Hilton HHonors™ Military Program, a part of Hilton Worldwide’ s Operation Opportunity program, provides 100,000 rewards points to eligible veterans to support job-search related travel expenses, such as overnight hotel stays at Hiltons worldwide. These points may only be used for direct expenses relating to interviewing or relocating after receiving a job offer. As of Nov 3, 2014, this opportunity is available for Veterans through the PA CareerLink® offices.


Employer/Date Referrals Hires Hourly Rate

Keystone Neuro Rehab 3 Pending $8.27-$10.87 TOPS Staffing 7 Pending $12.00-$15.00

Gregg Staffing Solutions 11 Pending $9.00-$16.00




Superior Home Care 1 Pending $9.00-$10.75

Callos Personnel Service 1 Pending $9.00-$12.50 Guardsmark LLC 12 Pending $9.00

Arcelor-Mittal 64 Pending $18.00 World Kitchen 67 Pending $9.82

Totals 166 New Employers Some of the new employers recently registered on CWDS: *Denotes a PA Targeted Industry Cluster

• Energy Industry Cluster: * o Tervita Corporation

• Life Science - Healthcare Industry Cluster o Lioness Community Care o Anden Chiropractic o Adams House Personal Care Home

• Retail/Hospitality Industry Cluster o Advance Auto Parts o Legacy Truck Center, Inc.

• Metal/ Fabrication o Robert DiPiazza o Brent D. Beistel DBA Beistel Machining

• Other: o CT Auto Recyclers (Automotive Repair) o McJunckin Redman Corporation (Warehousing) o Henson Maintenance DBA Northstar Janitorial, Inc.

(Janitorial/Maintenance) Community Linkages • Trish Brickner, Site Administrator, attended the check presentation for

Southwest Training Services, Inc. by NiSource/Range Resources for their youth program.

• Trish Brickner participated in the Local Management Committee (LMC) meeting on November 13, 2014.

• Trish Brickner attended events for the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce including board meetings and monthly networking events.

• Trish Brickner participated in chamber networking events for the Greater Rostraver and the Monongahela Chambers of Commerce.





PA CareerLink® Washington County General

• Trish Brickner, Site Administrator, attended the quarterly Workforce Investment Board meeting on October 28th.

• Trish Brickner and Lisa Neil attended the Workforce Investment Board PA CareerLink® sub-committee meetings to review the newly updated Combined Business Plan for CareerLink sites in the Southwest Corner. The updated Combined Business Plan/Agreement officially started as of October 1, 2014.

• Lisa Neil (President- Southwest Training Services, Inc.) and Trish Brickner attended Chevron’s news conference on October 21st at the Heinz History Center for their announcement of a multiyear, multimillion-dollar investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) K-12 education and energy-sector workforce development training in the Appalachia region. The focus of this grant is to retrain for careers in the energy industry. Southwest Training received a Chevron funded workforce development grant totaling $132,250.00 to assist dislocated workers in the mining and manufacturing industries with retraining and job development.

• The quarterly PA CareerLink® Washington County Partner meeting was held on Wednesday December 10th.

• Updated the Limited English Proficiency Policy for our site. This policy was updated and then signed and submitted to Commonwealth of PA on 12/30/2014.

Staff Development • Trish Brickner and Lisa Neil attended the Workforce Investment Board

Symposium at Penn State October 14-15, 2014. • The newly revised Combined Business Plan for the SW Corner Workforce

Area was updated and revised effective October 1, 2014. Staff were offered an overview of the revised plan and the direction that this PA CareerLink service delivery will be going to meet the standards as outlined.

• Trish Brickner attended the ShaleNet Workforce Forum on November 5 & 6th.

• A Centerville Clinic representative offered a staff training on the referral process when individuals require assistance with the Affordable Healthcare website on November 12th..

• Trish Brickner and Carl North (BWPO Site Supervisor) participated in Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act 2014 webinars & conference calls.

• Clyde Fragapane, BWPO, CareerLink® Specialist, attended a regional workforce conference in Washington, PA, on November 6th.





• Right to Know training was conducted on December 10th with all partner

staff. • Sam Jocuns, DVOP, attended Veterans Training in Harrisburg, October 21-

24. Service Delivery Job Seeker Services • As of October 1st, a touchscreen computer based sign-in for customers was

implemented. This is a more streamlined and efficient process for individual entering the site.

• PA CareerLink® staff from the Washington County office participated at the Mon Valley Job Fair on October 2nd, assisting Washington County job seekers and networking with the participating employers.

• Clyde Fragapane participated at the Pittsburgh Technical Institute Job Fair on November 12th.


Employer Referrals Hires Hourly Rate

Keystone Clearwater Solutions 5 1 $12.00 GMS Mine Safety & Repair 10 Pend $10.00 ManCan 51 4 $8.50 Meadows Casino 4 Pend Various All Clad 22 1 $11.38 Totals 82 6 New Employers Some of the new employers recently registered on CWDS: *Denotes a PA Targeted Industry Cluster • Building and Construction*

o Ten Mile Paving o Schultz Electric o Charles A Mals

• Energy Industry Cluster * o Solid Oak

• Life Science - Health Care Industry Cluster* o MedExpress Urgent Care, PC – Pennsylvania o MediFit

• Transportation & Logistics* o Eby-Brown Company, LLC o AL's Discount Tires, Inc. o RSB Aviation LLC





o McAdoo's, Inc.

• Retail/Hospitality Industry Cluster o Books a Million o Tommy Hilfiger Outlet Store

• Metal/ Fabrication o Baltec Corporation

• Business /Finance o IT Asset Management, L.P o AccountMaster o JMH Field Consulting LLC

• Other: o Avery United Methodist Church o Corporate Cleaning Group o Lumos Networks o Schneiders Dairy o Environmental Compliance & Testing Services, Inc. o Process Inc.

Community Linkages • Trish Brickner participated in the Local Management Committee (LMC)

meeting on November 13th. • Trish Brickner., Lisa Neil, President Southwest Training Services, and Cindy

Derrico, Vice President, Southwest Training Services, Inc. attended partner school Penn Commercial’s Open House for the Technical and Welding Center on the campus.

• Trish Brickner attended the Southwestern Institute for Technology (SWIFT) Advisory Committee Meeting on October 29th at Western Area Career & Technology Center.

• Trish Brickner participated in the monthly board of director meetings for the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce.

• Trish Brickner and Lisa Neil attended the Community College Beaver County (CCBC) Washington County Campus Open House on December 3rd.




TITLE I/ YOUTH CONTRACTOR UPDATES

APRIL 1, 2014 – JUNE 30, 2014 Job Training For Beaver County, Inc. Staff Development

• JTBC WIA Program Coordinator Zack Hubbard and Case Manager Megan Koziar participated in a Trade Act/WIA staff training session facilitated by PA Department of Labor and Industry staff at PA CareerLink® Allegheny East October 7th – 9th. Topics included an overview of the WIA/TAA co-enrollment process, development of an individual employment plan, and CWDS changes that impact TAA.

• JTBC Program Manager Rich Strother , Entrepreneurship Assistant Alicia Pizer, and several Entrepreneurship Program graduates participated in a workshop entitled “The Staggering Cost of Sales Mediocrity” hosted by StartingGate and facilitated by J. Scot Teachout of Peak Performance Management, Inc.

• JTBC Senior Management and staff participated in a workshop entitled “Hire the Best, Avoid the Rest: Pre-Employment Screening Methods” facilitated by Ryan West, Certified Forensic Interviewer, Body Language Consultant, and Corporate Trainer, and Trevor McGlochlin, Research Analyst for Select International, November 20th at PA CareerLink® Beaver County.

• JTBC Program Manager Rich Strother participated in a “Next Steps on Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Implementation” conference call November 24th. Representatives from the U.S. Departments of Labor, Education, and Health and Human Services shared their joint vision for the implementation of WIOA, and encouraged workforce development stakeholders to begin establishing partnerships necessary to implement WIOA.

• JTBC Senior Management and Staff participated in the following cross trainings to learn more about provider services that could benefit clients:

o 10/16/14 - Sean Barrett, Admissions Rep., Anna Bartolini, Director of Financial Aid and Dave Hirak, Admissions Rep., Rosedale Technical College.

o 10/28/14 - Poppy Roros, JTBC Education and Assessment Coordinator provided an overview of the Work Certified Program.

o 11/4/14 - Gail Steck, OVR District Administrator, provided an overview of OVR services.

o 11/25/14 - Hugh Gallagher, CCBC Career Coach, provided an overview of CCBC’s new Process Technology Training program scheduled to star in January 2015.

o 12/2/14 - Betsy Kubacki, Community College Regional Manager for Franklin University, provided an overview of available certificate, degree, and degree completion programs.




TITLE I/ YOUTH CONTRACTOR UPDATES (CONT.)

o 12/9/14 – Hugh Gallagher, CCBC Career Coach, hosted a PA

CareerLink® staff meeting at CCBC’s Manufacturing, Industrial Maintenance, and Waste Water Treatment Operator training room to discuss current and upcoming training for high priority occupations.

Service Delivery • JTBC Senior Management and staff participated in a series of monthly

Dislocated Workter Training National Emergency Grant (DWT NEG) conference call meetings during the quarter. This grant provides on-the-job and classroom training opportunities for dislocated workers with priority given to the long-term unemployed and veterans.

• JTBC staff assisted TMK IPSCO in administering the Select Assessment for Manufacturing (SAM) web-based pre-employment assessment for 74 job applicants during the quarter. This activity aligns with JTBC’s mission to serve as a channel between the workforce and employers to meet the employment needs of the region.

• JTBC Senior Management and staff participated in the Annual Job and Career Fair at the Beaver Valley Mall October 30th. JTBC, PA CareerLink® Beaver County, the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, and the Beaver Valley Mall partnered together to plan and facilitate this event which included eighty five employers and training providers and was attending by more than 400 job seekers.

• JTBC Program Coordinator Zack Hubbard participated in a series of Rapid Response Informational Meetings for World Class Processing Corporation October 16th. This employer issued a WARN Notice announcing plans to permanently close its Ambridge, PA facility and terminate the employment of approximately 36 workers November 7th.

• JTBC Program Manager Rich Strother facilitated a PA CareerLink® Beaver County External Business Services Team Quarterly Meeting October 21st. Team members from key community organizations including CCBC, Penn State Beaver, OVR, and Beaver County Domestic Relations, work together to identify employer workforce needs and coordinate, workshops, training programs, and business services to meet those needs.

• JTBC's Entrepreneurship Education Program held its First Annual Alumni Showcase Event November 12th at the Community College of Beaver County. The event featured keynote speaker Pete Decomo, Chairman and CEO of Alung Technologies, Inc. The 54 attendees included current and former Entrepreneurship Education Program participants, the Beaver County Board of Commissioners, and representatives from numerous program supporters including the Community Development Program of Beaver County, JTBC's Board of Directors, StartingGate, Huntington Bank, the office





of Congressman Keith Rothfus, the US Small Business Administration, and SCORE.

• JTBC Senior Management and staff participated in a Trade Act Conference Call Meeting December 12th. The authorization for the TAA program expires December 31st unless Congress passes legislation to extend it. Representatives from PA L&I Trade Coordination Services directed PA CareerLink staff to assist current Trade eligible displaced workers in applying for Trade benefits before the current expiration date in case the program is not reauthorized.

• JTBC Program Coordinator Zack Hubbard participated in an on-site Trade Act Benefit Rights Interview (BRI) meeting for WorldClass Processing employees December 12th. The purpose of this meeting was to inform the approximately 36 workers of the reemployment and training services available under the Trade Act.

• Since Horsehead Corporation initiated a mass layoff in December of 2013 as part of the closure process, JTBC staff has completed WIA eligibility applications and enrolled 239 displaced Horsehead workers in WIA/TAA services including staff-assisted job search, intensive assessment, case management, and training services. Of these 239 workers, 160 have enrolled in Trade Act funded on-the-job or classroom training in areas including diesel/heavy equipment repair, CDL, natural gas well tending, and HVAC.

• JTBC’s Entrepreneurship Education Program provided small business development guidance to 25 Beaver County residents during the quarter. Many of these participants are job seekers who are attempting to create their own job after being displaced from the workforce.

Community Linkages • JTBC Executive Director Deborah Newton and Program Manager Rich

Strother participated in a Beaver County & Crawford County Commissioners Oil and Gas Task Force Meeting at the Community College of Beaver County October 3rd. The meeting focused on the preparation process taking place and the regional economic impact expected as a result of the possible cracker plant development in Beaver County.

• JTBC Executive Director Deborah Newton, Program Manager Rich Strother and PA CareerLink® Beaver County Site Administrator Dianne Funkhouser met with CCBC Air Traffic Control Coordinator Jim Scott at CCBC’s Aviation Sciences Center October 17th. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the shortage of pilots, air traffic controllers, and unmanned aerial vehicle operators, and identify ways to educate job seekers and youth about these training programs and career opportunities.

• JTBC Business Marketing Representative Joe Postich participated in a Lunch and Learn Meeting hosted by McDanel Advanced Ceramic





Technologies October 28th. Catalyst Connection Senior Talent Management Consultant Dave Rea presented on “The Six Best Practices for Achieving a World Class Workforce.”

• JTBC Entrepreneurship Coordinator Jeanine McCreary and Entrepreneurship Assistant Alicia Pizer participated in Washington County Council on Economic Development’s 2014 Meeting and Luncheon featuring keynote speaker Bill Flanagan, Executive Vice President, Corporate Relations, Allegheny Conference on Community Development October 31st at the Doubletree by Hilton in Washington, PA.

• JTBC Program Manager Rich Strother participated in a two-day ShaleNET Workforce Forum entitled “Tools for the Future” November 5-6 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Meadowlands. The forum included presentations by industry professionals on the magnitude of Marcellus shale gas reserves in our region, the associated job growth, and training programs available to create a pipeline of skilled workers.

• JTBC Program Coordinator Zack Hubbard participated in an Unemployment Compensation/Rapid Response Regional Meeting November 6th at PA CareerLink® Washington County. The meeting included an overview of WIOA legislation and a presentation on assistance provided by Health Care Marketplace Navigators to help uninsured individuals choose insurance through the Affordable Care Act.

• JTBC Job Search Assistant Harry Angelo participated in a Regional Job Fair sponsored by Representative Jim Christiana and Penn State Beaver November 13th at Penn State Beaver Campus. Mr. Angelo presented information on reemployment and training services to job seekers in attendance.

• JTBC Executive Director Rick Riley and Program Manager Rich Strother appeared on the WBVP-WMBA John Nuzzo Radio Show’s Huntington Helps Initiative November 19th. Mr. Riley and Mr. Strother discussed JTBC’s reemployment and training programs for adults, dislocated workers, youth and employers as well as their computer de-manufacturing and entrepreneurship education programs.

Success Stories • WIA Adult Work Certified– Sherry Palmer-Beauford had worked as a

registered nurse for nearly 20 years when she needed to remove herself from the workforce in 2005 to care for her mother. Sherry came to JTBC in July of 2014 interested in returning to work, but felt she needed a refresher in her math and computer skills, as well as assistance with her job search. Sherry enrolled in JTBC’s two-week Work Certified program which provided the skills refresher she needed. She then met one-on-one with JTBC’s job search





assistant to develop a resume, cover letter, and list of references, as well as prepare for a job interview. On October 14th, Sherry accepted a position as school nurse for the Freedom Area School District. She loves working with children and is very happy to be back in the workforce.

• WIA Adult - John Yingst had been unemployed for nearly four months when

he came to JTBC in November looking for assistance with his job search. Despite several years of experience working as a mechanical and piping designer, John was having difficulty finding a job. John was referred to JTBC’s job search program where he not only received assistance creating a new functional resume, but also reviewed writing effective cover letters, job search strategies and interview techniques. When John left JTBC, he felt confident his new resume and refinement of his job search skills would help him secure employment. A few short weeks later, he called with great news. John secured employment with Veolia Water Solutions and Technologies as a Piping Designer on December 10, 2014. This is a full time job with great pay. He was very appreciative of the help he received at JTBC, and pointed to the one-on-one assistance he received from JTBC’s job search assistant as a primary reason for finding employment so quickly. John was extremely appreciative of all the help he received from the JTBC staff.

• WIA/TAA Dislocated Worker – For Jon Douglas, 2013 ended with a crash

when he lost his job of more than 26 years as a result of the Horsehead Corporation plant closure that December. John attempted to regain self-sufficient employment using his current skills for several months before deciding to pursue training. Although he had gained some experience operating equipment during his tenure at Horsehead, he lacked the current training and professional certifications needed to boost his job security. After receiving an assessment and guidance from his case manager, Jon decided to enroll in the 15-week CDL and Heavy Equipment training program at Great Lakes Truck Driving School in August through the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program. Although John completed the program in November earning his CDL and multiple heavy equipment operation certifications, to simply say he successfully completed the course would be an understatement. The Great Lakes staff was so impressed with his performance they offered Jon a position as a heavy equipment instructor. Jon relocated to Ohio and began his new job on December 1, 2014. With the training and certifications needed to ensure success, the sky’s the limit for Jon today.





• WIA/TAA Dislocated Worker - Samuel Barrett was dislocated from his

position of 24 years as a Group Leader/Furnace Operator at Horsehead Corporation last April. Samuel had worked at Horsehead for most of his adult life, and made it clear he not only wanted to continue working in the production field, but wanted to return to work sooner than later. He was enrolled in JTBC’s job search program and received resume development assistance highlighting his experience as a Furnace Operator and Group Leader. Sam’s job search was taking longer than he was comfortable with, and he was starting to become frustrated and scared as his unemployment was quickly coming to an end. Sam continued to apply for several production positions with the help of JTBC’s job search assistant, but heard nothing. One afternoon Sam showed up at the JTBC happy to report he was offered and accepted a position at ATI Powder Metals in Oakdale, PA. Sam started his new job on November 10th at a starting wage of $17.51 per hour with benefits. He was very pleased with the assistance he received from JTBC.

Job Training For Beaver County, Inc. (Youth) Staff Development • November 10th - The JTBC Youth Staff and Program Manager participated in

the state Mandated Reporter Certification for reporting child abuse – rules and regulations on November 10th. An online certification class was completed by: Harry Angelo, Program Manager; Vickie Kramer, Youth Coordinator; Nicole Coe, Adam Klevenhagen and Scott Paxton, Case Managers. They also attended a training session at the Children and Youth Services Offices on November 18th to discuss and review these new rules and regulations.

• November 20th - Nicole Coe, Youth Case Manager attended the Transition Coordinators monthly meeting at BCRC, the discussion revolved around IEP standards set by the state.

Service Delivery

• October 12th, JTBC Case Manager Nicole Coe visited Blackhawk High School to meet with Transition Coordinator Mariah Brown and 20 students interested in the JTBC Youth Program to explain our services and eligibility requirements.

• October 15th JTBC Case Manager Nicole Cole attended Career Day at Beaver High School and spoke to seniors about a career as a Youth Case Manager.

• October 23rd Independent Living Students & Out of School Youth participated in a "job interview and "resume workshop" held at JTBC. The





Youth Staff put together a slide show, informational packet as well as presentation to a group of 16 youth to prepare for the upcoming job fairs. • October 28th – In School Case Manager Nicole Coe met with ten (10)

Ambridge students who will be recruited to participate in the SWAG (Students With Alternative Goals) Program. Each student was selected due to significant truancy issues. The students will have an opportunity to participate in an internship program, earning stipends ($10/day) through various locations throughout Ambridge area in their field of interest.

• October 30th Rick Riley, Program Manager and Adam Klevenhagen, Case Manager met with CYS representatives to discuss a new program to begin January 2015. This grant will target a group of participants designated as "At Risk In-Home Youth".

• November 5th, Nicole Coe, Case Manager met with Steve Beck, Beaver Falls High School Transition Coordinator and current JTBC clients to discuss community services opportunities for the students. She reminded the students being involved in this type of activity looks very good on job and school / training applications.

• November 10th, Nicole Coe, JTBC Case Manager and Teresa Brewer, Ambridge Transition Coordinator met with students currently interested in participating in the Students with Alternative Goals” (SWAG) Program. The students will receive a daily stipend for participating.

• November 12th - Nicole Cole, JTBC Case Manager met with Mike Walmsley, Riverside High School Transition Coordinator to discuss current clients and the possibility of how to engage them in a community services activities.

• November 13th - A field trip was taken by Riverside, Freedom and Beaver High School students in the JTBC Program to the Carpenters Union in Pittsburgh for a tour of the facility and information on careers available.

• December 8th - The Youth Department conducted a five (5) day Work Readiness Program for 16 participants. The program provided open discussions involving topics such as work barriers, resumes, interviews, keeping your job and how to make the best of your strength and weaknesses. The clients were engaged and eager to discuss how to overcome these barriers and move forward towards employment. The topics were broken down into daily sessions with each member of the Youth Department leading the discussions. All completed the program, resumes were updated and each member of the class will receive follow-up as to how their job search is progressing. Another program is scheduled for February.

• December 16th - Nicole Coe attended a meeting on December 16th in Ambridge with Teresa Brewer, Transition Coordinator regarding the “Students with Alternative Goals” (SWAG) Program. This program is now





in full swing with 6 students participating in various locations throughout the area. This program is intended to redirect freshman and sophomores with significant attendance issues by offering courses specifically designed to enhance internship opportunities.

• December 19th - JTBC Youth Case Manager Nicole Coe met with Beaver Falls High School Transition Coordinator, Steve Beck for a one on one active clients to discuss JTBC upcoming events in our youth program and how they can benefit from participating in them.

Community Linkages

• October 29th A FAFSA workshop was held for the youth in our area and their parents to help them prepare for college financial aid. PHEAA Presenter Wendy Dunlap spoke to 18 students and parents. Ms Dunlap is planning provide another workshop in February 2015

• November 18th, Adam Klevenhagen, Youth Case Manager participated in the CYS Monthly Meeting which focused on budgeting and credit and how it affects our clients. He also met with current clients to discuss how they are progressing.

• In November the youth staff met throughout the month planning the upcoming 2015 program schedule for the CYS "Tools for Life" scheduled for January. Last year was the first time this event was held and was a huge success. The same format will be used and include not only the same participants but additional community partners. Each agency represented will have the opportunity to engage with the CYS clients, explaining their services. Many of the clients who participated last year were unaware these services were available. Staff learned a great deal as well.

• December 11th - JTBC Youth Case Manager/Mentor Adam Klevenhagen attended the quarterly Ross Partners Meeting. Community partners regularly meet to discuss pertinent housing issues, and available program options that may benefit residents of Housing Authority of Beaver County sites. Adam reported on the Tools for Life Event scheduled for January 20th for the CYS clients in our program. He also extended invitations to have any agency interested in participating to contact him. Also discussed were topics from Early Head Start Programs for expectant mothers, mothers and their children.

• December 12th - JTBC Youth Case Manager/Mentor Adam Klevenhagen and Program Manager Harry Angelo attended the Homeless Coalition Meeting sponsored through Housing Authority of Beaver County. Community partners regularly meet to discuss pertinent housing issues, and available program options that may benefit residents of Housing





Authority sites. The emphasis was on the County 211 System and its importance with the coming of inclement weather.

Success Stories • LEONARD MAYBIN (ISY) - Leonard Maybin is a student from New Brighton

High School. When he enrolled with Job Training for Beaver County Youth Program, he was having a very hard time in school with both academics and socialization skills. He was getting poor grades and having explosive angry outbursts daily. Leonard was looking for work to earn money and learn skills in the workplace. He needed something close to home because he didn’t have a driver’s license. He said that he had applied at Foodland in New Brighton, but they never called him for an interview. Leonard said he was really interested in working there. JTBC called Foodland and spoke to the owner about becoming a Paid Work Experience Job Site and explained the situation with Leonard. The owner of the store agreed to provide Leonard a work experience through Job Training for Beaver County. A couple weeks after Leonard started working we called Foodland to check on his progress. The owner reported that he was doing a great job. He said Leonard was enthusiastic, punctual and willing to learn. He said he was a little slow paced, but they would work on that. We then called New Brighton High School to check to see how things were going there and the teachers said that they saw a huge transformation in Leonard’s behavior since starting work. They said that he isn’t having outbursts anymore and he is more focused on his schoolwork. They said that he was carrying himself more maturely. When it came time for Leonard’s work experience to end, The Foodland owner offered Leonard a permanent position! Leonard is still currently working at Foodland and is now thinking about taking classes at CCBC and stated that it feels good to be independent.

• GREGG D’ITRI (OSY) - Gregg D’Itri, Lincoln Park High School graduate,

entered the Job Training for Beaver County, Inc.’s Out-of-School Youth Program in late March of 2014. His mother called, asking if there were programs that could help her son, who is diagnosed with ADHD, prepare for employment. At the time Gregg was introverted and had a hard time “fitting in” with people, he lacked confidence in his strengths and focused on his weaknesses. Upon meeting with Gregg, it was apparent this young man was quite bright, insightful, a “people pleaser”, but just needed some encouragement. Gregg did have a brief work history at Hytoric Penn-Ohio Sales in Aliquippa. He was unable to continue because he did not have a driver’s license. His





Out of School Case Manager Vickie Kramer told him JTBC could work with him to get secure a license, but he is very uneasy about driving due to his ADHD. His TABE scores were very good placing him in the 11th-12th grade skill set. Gregg’s interests varied from computer technology to his love of performing music and culinary skills. He was unsure as to what direction to head. We sat down and created a plan for him to participate in several programs. Gregg participated in our National Retail Federation classes and received his certificate on 05/01/14. He then was placed as a Recourse Core Assistant in the CareerLink office across from Job Training for a Paid Work Experience on 5/5/14. His work experienced lasted until 7/25/14 and Gregg was praised for his wonderful customer services skills and willingness to do what-ever it took to meet the patron’s needs. Gregg also assisted with our Youth In-School Program serving as a mentor and aide to the instructor for our Energy / Transportation Camps during class time and field trips. He also participated in the Interrupted Mentor Program that offered insight into the process of being a youth mentor. During his time at Job Training, Gregg participated in our resume and interview workshop to bolster his job search prospect opportunities. Upon completion, Prime Team Services hired him as a vendor for General Mills Military Sales at the Pittsburgh Commissary. He is working full time and hopes to be promoted within the company. Gregg is leaving his options open to pursue a computer technology technician career at CCBC online this summer.

• Andrew Goodwin (CYS) - Andrew is a graduate from New Brighton High

School who came to us in September of 2014. In his junior year of high school he got into trouble with the law. Additional problems at home led to him being placed in a juvenile facility. After he completed his time, Andrew was placed on probation until a second mishap placed him on house arrest. Andrew had two choices at this time, either had to go to rehabilitation or prison. He chose rehabilitation. Upon completion of rehabilitation Andrew re-established his connection with his CYS Case Manager. With the assistance of the case manager Andrew was able to make some life changes, completed high school, and was referred to the Job Training for Beaver County, Independent Living Program. Andrew began a job with Burger King and was receiving retention incentives for maintaining employment through the Independent Living Program. After about two months Andrew and JTBC Case Manager Adam came to the conclusion that it may be time to expand his professional horizons. Andrew had enrolled in CCBC and is perusing a degree in Nursing. In alignment with his major it was agreed Andrew would be placed a work experience at





Providence Care Center in Beaver Falls. This will provide hands on experience in their Activities Department. After a few months Providence was impressed with Andrew through the Work Experience Program and offered him a paid position in their Dietary Department. He is now working 30 hours a week at Providence and he has gotten his life back on track continuing his goal for a nursing degree. He still stays in contact with Job Training for advice and assistance. Andrew has become an outstanding person who knows what he needs to do in his next step in life. He also knows what he to attain his goals. We are very proud of Andrew and are very happy to see how far he has come in the time with Job Training for Beaver County.

Southwest Training Services, Inc. General • Southwest Training submitted a grant application to the Redevelopment

Authority of Washington County’s Local Share Account (LSA) Committee for the Female Offender Reentry program for female offenders. Our agency, if approved, will work closely with the Washington County Correctional Facility, Washington County Court System, MH/MR and Drug and Alcohol agencies as well as Wash Rides, PA CareerLink® Washington County and Penn Commercial, to conduct a pilot which would enable female offenders to attend occupational skills training during their last quarter of incarceration and follow these participants throughout their training, post-release and for 1 year after they achieve employment and exit the program. Reentry programs are very beneficial to reducing recidivism in our correctional facilities.





• SWTS, Inc. held its quarterly Board of Directors’ meetings on October 7th

and December 16th. A new corporate board member was approved at the October meeting - Dr. Dennis McCarthy, Executive Director for the Western Area Career & Technology Center.

• Lisa Neil and Trish Brickner attended Chevron’s news conference on October 21st, at the Heinz History Center, for their announcement of a multiyear, multimillion-dollar investment in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) K-12 education and energy-sector workforce development training in the Appalachia region. Southwest Training also received a Chevron funded workforce development grant totaling $132,250.00 to assist dislocated workers in the mining and manufacturing industries with retraining and job development. The focus is to retrain for careers in the energy industry.

• The Southwest Corner Workforce Area now has 160 state approved training programs on the PA CareerLink® Governor’s Approved Training Provider list for program year 2014-2015. There was one (1) new provider this quarter, The Shale Energy Institute, Bentleyville, PA.

• Lisa Neil participated in Operator meetings for PA CareerLink® Washington, Greene and Mon Valley this quarter. As a member of the PA CareerLink® Operator Consortiums, she assisted in developing the sites’ business plans and resource sharing agreements (RSAs). All draft plans have been reviewed by the operators and have been sent to the WIB staff for their approval. A meeting with the CareerLink® Committee of the SCWIB was held on October 20th to review plans and provide updates.

• Lisa Neil and Cindy Derrico attended the PA CareerLink® Washington (December 10th) and Mon Valley (December 9th) Partner meetings.

• Cindy Derrico, vice president, and Ester Clark, in-school youth coordinator, attended the Southwest Corner Workforce Investment Board meeting on October 28th.

Staff Development • Ellen Durka, case manager, attended the state’s Trade Act training held at

the PA CareerLink® Allegheny East on October 7-9. • Lisa Neil and Trish Brickner attended the PA Workforce Development

Association’s WIB Symposium held on October 14-16 in State College, PA.

• Lisa Neil and Cindy Derrico have continued to participate in the NEG (National Emergency Grant) DW (Dislocated Worker) monthly conference call meetings during the quarter. These calls provide for workforce area updates and best practices.

• Southwest Training Services, Inc. has developed a Workplace Safety Team comprised of five (5) staff members. The team held its first meeting and





training session on December 4th. Topics of training included: Safety Committee Dynamics; Hazard Identification; and Incident Investigation, including Substance Abuse Awareness & Prevention. Meetings will be held monthly.

• Lisa Neil participated in a conference call “Next Steps for WIOA Implementation with the Departments of Labor, Education & Health and Human Services”– November 24th

• Lisa Neil attended the "WIOA Technical Assistance Webinar: Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL)-December 4th.

• Lisa Neil became a certified proctor and Kalyn Penderville was recertified as a proctor for Castle Worldwide Internet-Based Assessments. This certification affords the ability to proctor Industry recognized National Certifications. Jillian Chappel, youth case manager, Lisa and Kalyn were also certified as proctors for the National Retail Federation Foundation as well.

• Lisa Neil and Carl North, PA CareerLink® Washington County supervisor, met with Jeff Mendola and Brian Casey from Waddell & Reed regarding financial literacy sessions for staff and job seekers.

• Lisa Neil participated in the PA Workforce Development Association – Operations Council Training committee conference call on December 17th. The purpose was to develop a timeline to address training priorities and develop the subject matter in more detail so an identification of instructors and the development of an RFP can be done.

Service Delivery • Lisa Neil participated on the planning committee and several SWTS staff

members attended the 2014 ShaleNET Workforce Forum held on November 5 and 6 at the Doubletree by Marriott, Meadow Lands. The annual event focused on the work of the ShaleNET partners: Westmoreland County Community College (PA), Stark State College (OH), Navarro College (TX), Penn College of Technology (PA), and Pierpont Community and Technical College (WV). The forum had 118 attendees comprised of 72 from education, 18 from business and industry, 4 from government agencies, 1 from foundations and 23 from high schools/career & technology centers. There were industry representatives from Chevron, Baker-Hughes, PIOGA (Pennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas Association), Powell Shale Digest, Cabot Oil and Gas Corporation, OOGEEP (Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program) and Discovery Machine. The ShaleNET Forum’s keynote speaker was Marc Payne, manager of Business Development and Planning at Chevron Appalachia LLC.





• We continue to work with the NEG-DW (National Emergency-Dislocated

Worker) grant funds and have written five (5) OJT contracts - average placement wage is $15.70/hr. and four (4) ITAs for Well Tending with CDL, Certified Nurse Aid, Medical Billing & Coding, and Gas Well Tending with CDL certification.

• SWTS staff participated in the Annual Greene County Business Expo which was held on October 16th at the PA National Guard Readiness Center located in the EverGreene Technology Park. This Business-to-Business Networking Event is a showcase of area businesses.

• Lisa Neil was a presenter at a “College Completion” seminar along with Carol Adukaitis, Director of Pathways for Career Success at PA State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), Mike Lawrence, Adult College Completion Strategist at the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), and Ellie Nesser and Barb Crofcheck from California University of PA. The purpose of the event was to provide Best Practices for universities in the PA System for Higher Education to work with workforce development in posting completion degree programs on the Governor’s statewide list of eligible training programs.

• Recruitment efforts for All Clad Metalcrafters led to SWTS staff testing 10 individuals for positions as Entry Level Manufacturers resulting in two (2) hires this quarter.

• Recruitment efforts for Langeloth Metallurgical resulted in SWTS staff testing 26 individuals; resulting in six (6) individuals being hired at a starting salary of $18.65/hr.

• Southwest Training and the PA CareerLink Washington County have been working with Tyler Technologies, Washington, PA, in their hiring efforts for data collectors, for the countywide reassessment. SWTS, INC. staff has coordinated on-site interviews for Tyler Technologies. Three (3) recruitment events have been held this quarter, with 76 individuals referred for positions as data collectors at a starting salary of $13.00/hr. and office clerks at a starting salary of $9.25 with benefits after 90 days. Fifteen (15) individuals have been hired this quarter.

Community Linkages • Lisa Neil, Cindy Derrico and Trish Brickner attended Penn Commercial’s

Grand Opening event for their Welding Lab on October 9th. Their new welding program is an 11–month diploma program.

• Ellen Durka attended the Donora Rotary meetings on a regular basis this quarter.

• Lisa Neil attended the Washington County Mental Health Association’s Board of Directors meeting on October 20th & 28th and November 25th.

• Lisa Neil was a panelist for California University of PA’s Networking Event “Unique Careers for Education Majors” on October 23rd.





• Lisa Neil attended TEC (Transitional Employment Consultants) meetings

held on October 23rd, November 20th and December 18th and the finance committee meeting held on November 12th and December 10th.

• Lisa Neil attended Serenity Farm’s Inc. Board of Directors meeting on October 23rd & November 20th.

• Lisa Neil attended TEC’s 30th Anniversary celebration on October 21st at the Hilton Garden Inn, Southpointe.

• Lisa Neil attended the Southwestern Institute for Technology (SWIFT) Operational Advisory Committee meeting held on October 29th. Terry Smith, Director for SWIFT and Dr. Dennis McCarthy, Executive Director for Western Area Career &Technology Center conducted the meeting and provided updates on the status of approval.

• Lisa Neil and Trish Brickner attended a tour/meeting of California University of PA’s Convocation Center on November 17th. Discussion regarding the use of this venue for a future workforce event was discussed.

• Lisa Neil attended the Douglas Education Center Advisory Board meeting on November 18th. Updates on programming and curriculum enhancements were discussed.

• Lisa Neil and Trish Brickner attend the Community College of Beaver County-Southpointe Open House held on December 3rd.

• Cindy Derrico, Lisa Neil and Ester Barnes attended the Chief Local Elected Officials meeting (Beaver, Greene and Washington County commissioners) held on December 8th at Courthouse Square, Washington.

Success Stories • WIA-Dislocated/Trade - Dwayne Johnson, a dislocated worker from

PolyOne, Donora, PA, is a married and a father of an 11 yr. old daughter. Dwayne is a prime example of a hardworking and dedicated individual. He left high school and “grew up on the streets of Monessen”. He took care of his mother that was ill and his brother who had a stroke He then “just worked”. Following his layoff due to Poly One’s closure, he applied at Arcelor Mittal, Monessen, PA. Arcelor was interested in him but told him in order to be a candidate to hire; he would need to have his GED. So, Dwayne went to class! He attended GED Classes with Community Action Southwest, at the PA CareerLink Mon Valley, on a daily basis and studied very hard until he ultimately passed his test. Being trade act eligible and now having a GED, Dwayne decided to take advantage of the opportunity for additional training. He enrolled in PIA Jumpstart’s CDL program. He successfully completed and obtained his Class A CDL License. On December 9, 2014, he was hired as a driver for Amex Transportation in Allenport. He transports clean hydrochloric acid to steel mills that make iron





oxide and transports wastes from the fracking sites. His current wage is $23.00/hr. with benefits. He is truly a success!

• WIA-Adult - Anthony Pettyjohn, from Donora, a separated father of 3, was

our first graduate from PIA Jump Start’s CDL/Heavy Equipment Operator training. He received his operating licenses and wanted to get involved with the gas and oil industry, but needed to be home every night for his children. He started at Equipment Transport in Belle Vernon, in October 2014, as truck driver delivering water and supplies to the fracking sites. He is now making $18.00/he with benefits. He is so appreciative of his SWTS, Inc. case manager, Ellen Durka and Community Action Southwest’s remedial program that he accessed prior to the start of training with both gave him the opportunity to get this job and maintain a good lifestyle for his family.

• WIA-Adult - Robert Lippencott has been working in the security field for 14

years. He moved from job to job and realized that he needed to explore other options to gain a better wage to take care of his family. He came into the PA CareerLink® Greene County wanting to find out more about jobs in the oil and gas field. He met with Kimberly Mowl, Southwest Training Services case manager, and found out that there was an upcoming class for oil and gas entry level training at Westmoreland County Community College-Greene County Education Center. He was interested. He completed the course was hired by Atos as a laborer at a wage of $15.00/hr. and putting in over 80 hours a week. He was appreciative of everyone who helped him sustain a good job.

• • WIA-Adult - Terri Hall Oprosky, from Donora, had been a home health aide

for years. Her husband passed away and she was now raising her family alone. She had to make a career move that would provide her with a better family sustaining wage but she first needed to obtain her GED. She studied and passed her GED test and with great persuasion from Community Action Southwest her case manager, Ellen Durka, she decided to obtain certification as a certified nurse’s aide. She enrolled into Mon Valley Career and Technology Center’s certified nurse’s side program and although hesitant at first, she excelled in the program! She is thrilled to be hired at Monongahela Valley Hospital with a starting wage of $14.76/hr. with benefits. The week after she was hired, she got remarried. Now her son Jacob is in remedial classes, after being laid off from PolyOne and Southwest Training and Community Action is involved in his future success!

• WIA-Dislocated Worker - Travis Sawicky, from Monongahela, is a

dislocated worker from a supervisory position, in the well testing division, at





Select Energy. He wanted to definitely stay in the Marcellus Shale industry but needed his CDL Class A License to make him more marketable. Ellen Durka, case manager for SWTS Inc. enrolled him into WIA and assisted with tuition for the Douglas Education Center CDL-A program. He attended regularly and received his license. Travis is now employed (as of November 10, 2014) with Casedhole Solutions, Charleroi, PA as a gun loader. This specialized pipe, stores the explosives necessary in the fracking process. His wage is $21.50/hr. with benefits.

• WIA-Dislocated Worker - James Young, a dislocated maintenance worker from Barber National Institute. He lives in Finleyville and came to SWTS Inc. also wanting to obtain his CDL-A License. James chose to attend Western Area Career & Technology Center’s program. He completed and became certified. He is now employed at Castelli Oil and Gas, as a truck driver. His starting wage is $16.50/hr. with benefits.

Southwest Training Services, Inc. (Youth) General • SWTS, Inc. Youth Connection Newsletter was distributed in October 2014.

The newsletter highlights both in-school and out-of-school youth activities and events.

• Southwest Training, along with NiSource Midstream and Range Resources, held a check presentation on October 2nd. A check for $6,000.00 was presented to SWTS, Inc. to conduct industry related youth activities throughout the program year. Local Elected Officials, board members and staff, and WIB and company representatives attended the event. Western Area Career & Technology Center’s culinary students provided catering for the event.

• SWTS, Inc. received a $2,000.00 grant from the Washington Drug and Alcohol Commission, Inc. to develop drug and alcohol awareness and prevention programs for youth. This will be the 4th year of receiving this grant funding.

• A job order for a youth case manager position with Southwest Training has been posted on the PA CareerLink® website – (Job Order # 7897862). This position will be for Washington County in-school and out-of-school case management.

Staff Development • SWTS, Inc. held a youth staff meeting was held to provide updates to

intake/eligibility procedures on October 20th.





• Ester Barnes attended the Leadership Washington County meeting

conducted by the Washington County Bar Association on November 18th and a Leadership Board meeting held on December 11th.

Service Delivery • Youth staff participated in multiple IEP (Individualized Education Plan)

meetings throughout the quarter at our local area high schools. • Jillian Chappel, youth case manager, met with a group of thirty (30)

students at West Greene High School regarding our program, what we have to offer, how we can help them, and handed out applications to all of those who were interested.

• Jillian Chappel attended the Waynesburg Central High School open house, where she had an information table and talked to interested parents and students about our program.

• On October 2nd, Jillian Chappel gave a presentation on resumes to six groups of Greene County Career & Technology Center seniors. They all registered on the Job Gateway system, created their resume, and searched for jobs in their field of interest.

• Ester Barnes and Jillian Chappel met with Dr. Winarski, special education director, and Ms. Catie Fisher, guidance counselor and learning support teacher, at Jefferson-Morgan High School regarding our in-school youth program. They were extremely interested in our program and are looking to make it bigger and want to bring all that we have to offer into the high school! -October 24th.

• Ester Barnes and Jillian Chappel met with Robbie Matesic and Crystal Simmons from Greene County Economic Development, and Greene County Commissioner Blair Zimmerman, regarding our youth program. They were very interested in getting involved in any way they can – November 3rd.

• SWTS, Inc.’s Drug & Alcohol Prevention/Awareness Assembly was held at Charleroi Middle School on November 14th. Speakers for this event included State Representative Brandon Neuman, Ashley Potts & Amy Doria, Washington Drug & Alcohol Commission, and Charleroi Police Chief Eric Porter. This assembly was made possible through a Washington Drug & Alcohol Commission grant.

• On November 17th, Ester Barnes and a representative from the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation met with fifteen (15) students and their parents at McGuffey High School to discuss youth programming and services we can offer.

• Jillian Chappel attended the Greene County Consortium of School Districts College, Career, & Scholarship fair on November 20th at the National Guard Armory, Waynesburg, PA. She staffed a table at the event





and talked to many students, along with other representatives about our program. All throughout October and November, Jillian coordinated with the guidance counselors to get more colleges and businesses to attend the college fair. She contacted 50+ schools and businesses to see if they would be able to have a representative and whether or not they got their invitation. This effort resulted in approximately 15 more entities/tables at the fair!

• Ester Barnes held a meeting on October 29th with Trinity Middle School administration regarding our Drug & Alcohol Awareness/Prevention Art & Essay Contest as well as available services for younger youth.

• On December 19th, Ester Barnes representing Southwest Training, presented monetary awards to the winners of the Drug & Alcohol Awareness/Prevention Contests at Charleroi Middle School, Trinity Middle School and Bentworth Middle School. Nine (9) awards were presented. Seventy-five (75) students entered the contest by either writing an essay or doing an art project. This contest was made possible through a grant from the Washington Drug & Alcohol Commission.

• SWTS, Inc. planned and/or participated in the following career awareness

and workforce development events for youth this quarter:

DATE OF

EVENT EVENT # of YOUTH TYPE of ACTIVITY

10/1/14 Greene County Guidance Counselor/ Transition Coordinator luncheon/meeting 25 educators Educator Engagement

10/6/14 10/9/14

11/19/14

Soft Skills Workshop - Washington High School 65 youth Job Readiness

10/8/14 University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University tour 5 youth Post-Secondary School

Tour

10/15/14 Canon McMillan High School Career Fair 250 youth Career Exploration/ Awareness

10/21/14 Job Shadowing - Physical Education Teacher Bentworth Student – Trinity High School Teacher

1 youth Job Shadowing Experience

10/30/14 Slippery Rock University tour 5 youth Post-Secondary School Tour

11/13/14 Washington Jr. High School Advisory Meeting

30 8th grade students Leadership Skills




11/14/14 Drug & Alcohol Prevention/Awareness Assembly Charleroi Middle School 90 youth Drug & Alcohol

Awareness/Prevention

11/20/14 Bentworth High School Transition Fair 270 students from 7 school districts

Career Exploration/ Awareness

12/3/14 Resume Development Presentation West Greene High School

60 high school seniors Job Readiness

12/17/14 Douglas Education Center tour 5 youth Post-Secondary School Tour

Community Linkages

• Throughout this quarter, Ester Barnes attended Washington County Drug and Alcohol Commission’s WIN (Washington Intervention Network) meetings.

• Ester Barnes participated in the Washington County Transition Council meeting on October 9th.

• Ester Barnes met with City of Washington Mayor, Brenda Davis on October 31st, regarding our youth services and possible collaborations with the City.

• Jillian Chappel participated the Greene County Transition Council meeting on December 5th at the Greene County Career & Technology Center.

• Ester Barnes participated in a Leadership Washington County conference call on November 4th to discuss program planning for this year’s class.

• Jillian Chappel met with Eric Braun, who works for Community Action Southwest in the Family Economic Success program. Discussion included the homeless grant, ways we can work together, and the best way to go about receiving referrals from him.

• Ester Barnes attended Western Area Career & Technology Center’s Advisory committee meeting held on November 6th.

• Lisa Neil attended Mon Valley Career & Technology Center’s advisory board dinner/meeting on November 13th.

Success Stories • In-School Youth – Sabrina Richards is a 2014 graduate of Bentworth High

School. Her guidance counselor referred her to our in-school youth program when she was a sophomore for job and career development. Throughout her high school years, she had many personal, health and academic setbacks but always had the determination to graduate and enter post-secondary education. With the help and guidance of a great support team which included staff, teachers, administrators and Southwest Training Services, Inc., she was able to graduate on time. While she was in our youth program, she was able to explore many options for life after high school. Her





career focus was always on the criminal justice system and was able to job shadow and be mentored by a local state policeman. After touring several college campuses, she chose Pittsburgh Technical Institute, in Oakdale. She is enrolled in their criminal justice program and is doing well. She is very thankful and appreciative for all of the support that she received from our agency during the past three years. She stated that she would not have been able to make a good decision about which school to attend without being able to tour the campuses and meet with the admission representatives.

• In-School Youth – Colton Higgins is a senior at Waynesburg Central High School and has been in our program since May 2014. He is an excellent student who maintains a high GPA. Colton has been accepted and is already enrolled into Penn State University at Behrend, his top choice school. He is beyond ecstatic to start this new chapter in his life. He plans to study Environmental Science and can’t wait to have access to all of the environmental diversity that Erie has to offer for his degree. Colton is a baseball player for Waynesburg and hopes to play for Penn State next year. He is also involved in 4H in Greene County. He has a strong work ethic; he was in our summer youth program where he worked as an outdoor laborer and he was recently hired at Giant Eagle. Colton cannot wait to start at Giant Eagle, as he has been applying to jobs since the beginning of the school year. Colton has proved to be extremely hard working, in both the work place and school; I know Colton will succeed in all of his future endeavors, not only for his work ethic, but also because he is so passionate about environmental studies.

• Out-of-School Youth - Skie Griffin, a 2010 Ringgold High School graduate, entered our out-of-school youth program in May 2012. Although she had goals that she wanted to attain, she did not know which direction to take. She knew that she worked very well with young children but wanted more than being an aide. In October 2013, she took a leap of faith and moved to Alexandria, Virginia upon learning that Rose Hill Academy was hiring staff for their daycare program. She knew that she had to make a plan in order for this to work. She moved in with her aunt, applied for an aide position, interviewed and was eventually offered a part-time position. Although she did not want an aide position, she knew that this was a way for her to prove her work ethic and skills. Since she was hired, she has worked hard in order to move up to full time status, obtained several child care certificates, and is currently preparing herself for the Child Development Associates test. Her long-term goal is to enter post-secondary education majoring in Special Education.


Southwest Corner Workforce Investment Board c/o Washington Greene County Job Training Agency, Inc.

351 West Beau Street, Suite 300 Washington, PA 15301 Phone: 724-229-5083

Fax: 724-229-5086 www.southwestcornerwib.com

Linda L. Bell, Director

Washington County Commissioners

Honorable Lawrence O. Maggi,* Chairman Honorable Diana L. Irey-Vaughan

Honorable Harlan Shober

Greene County Commissioners Honorable Charles Morris, Chairperson

Honorable Archie Trader Honorable Blair Zimmerman

Beaver County Commissioners Honorable Tony Amadio, Chairperson

Honorable Joseph Spanik Honorable Dennis Nichols

* Lead Chief Elected Official for the Southwest Corner Workforce Investment Area

Materials compiled by Southwest Corner WIB


scwib service delivery narratives january 2015€¦ · the following cross training was provided to...

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