Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, July 22, 1990 TAG: 9007200341
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: B.J. SNYDER SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Long
The program can accommodate about 15 people, who must first undergo a screening process which includes an interview and academic and vocational assessment.
Since this training program is funded by the Job Training Partnership Act, applicants must be eligible for the training under JTPA grant restrictions. Eligibility is based on income level, although other factors are taken into consideration.
"There are generally more applicants than openings," said JTPA Coordinator Patricia Ryan. Candidates selected for training are those judged most likely to benefit from the program, said Ryan. High school dropouts and minorities are especially encouraged to apply.
Nancy Roop of Radford completed the JTPA youth-training program in geriatric-nursing assisting this December. Roop left high school in the 11th grade, in 1987, and then worked as a companion to several elderly people. This work was not steady, however. "You never knew if you had a job from one day to the next," Roop said.
"I wanted to do nursing but I couldn't afford it. Then I heard about JTPA," she said. Roop received training for four months at night at New River Community College, while working as a companion during the day. Roop was employed part time as a nursing assistant within two weeks of completing her training. In April, Roop moved on to a full-time position as a certified geriatric-nursing assistant with the Highland Manor Nursing Home in Dublin.
"I like it better than any jobs I've ever worked," Roop said. "I think it's because I enjoy working with the patients and the staff."
Accepted JTPA applicants receive not only job training, but also instruction in how to get and keep a job.
"It's a learning experience in many ways," said Ryan. "They receive skills on how to fill out an application and how to interview. They are able to identify what their vocational goals are. There is a lot of life planning involved with the process, and I think that's exciting. What I try to get them to do is not to look two days from now, or two weeks, but I try to get them to look at what they'll be doing two years from now."
Participants in need of assistance with math or English skills will be given remedial academic assistance. Roop also said the program provided her with everything she needed to complete her training and secure employment, including books, pencils, pen and paper, and a uniform.
JTPA also assisted Roop with her job search. "They would call to tell me about possible jobs. They usually knew where job openings were" Roop said.
Roop said that the JTPA staff was very supportive of her goals and that they have encouraged her to pursue her high school equivalency diploma.
"They even offered to pay for me to go for my GED," Roop said. "I'd like to become a licensed practical nurse some day."
The JTPA program at New River Community College is funded through federal JTPA funds, which are administered locally by the New River/Mount Rogers Private Industry Council. The goal of the JTPA is to train people for jobs and place them in unsubsidized employment, Ryan said.
The federal funds carry a mandated level of successful job placement, which the college currently exceeds, Ryan said. The JTPA youth program currently has a 78 percent job placement rate, as of April 30, 1990. Wytheville Community College, Wytheville, and Virginia Highlands Community College, Abingdon, hold contracts with New River Community College to provide some of the available training, Ryan said.
Ryan said that because of the federally mandated placement rates, local demand plays a big role in determining the types of training offered. Sometimes local industries will cooperate with the training and participate in recruiting, she said. There is flexibility in the training offered, however, if a participant is seriously seeking specialized training or has special talents, Ryan said.
The JTPA program at New River Community College will also be offering a nine-week summer program for in-school youth, ages 14-21, beginning the week of June 11.
This program seeks to help students overcome academic deficiencies in math and English and also offers instruction in study skills and preparation for employment.
The program hopes to prevent students from losing ground academically over the summer so that they will be prepared to succeed when school reopens in the fall.
Participants receive $3.80 an hour for the time spent in the summer program. Students in this program also participate in a group project. Last year, the students constructed a rope course, like those used by Outward Bound. This year's project will probably be an extension of last year's, Ryan said.
Students also may participate in a variety of community projects. Students may contact their guidance counselor for more information.
People interested in either program may contact Patricia Ryan at 674-3608. Toll-free information can be obtained by calling 382-4595, ext. 331 in Montgomery County, 921-4595, ext. 331 in Giles County, or 745-4595, ext. 331 in Floyd County.
by CNB