ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009Workforce Connections (WFC), a division of the Knoxville-Knox County...

. . . promoting individual self-sufficiency and fostering community economic growth

through local workforce development

ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009

January 13, 2010 Dear Workforce Connections Board Members: I want to thank the committee chairpersons for leading each committee to the com-pletion of assigned tasks and reports to the full board during the last two years. While the committees have not met in the last couple of quarters; I believe that they each accomplished their mission and further meetings were not necessary. Each committee shared with the board new knowledge developed by research in their area of expertise. Several of you have mentioned that we need to consider reorganizing and recharg-ing the board again. I think that is a necessary activity for a board such as ours periodically and we will approach that task this year. The Executive Committee will initially consider that topic at the next meeting in February as well as review our final plan for submission to the state Department of Labor and Workforce De-velopment. The state requires that our plans be submitted in a format that is con-sistent with the Baldrige Criteria. That seems like a good beginning point for our discussions. Next year will be filled with challenges and opportunities and we will need your assistance and expertise more than ever. I look forward to continuing to work with each of you. Sincerely,

Kay Wright, Chairperson

January 13, 2010 Dear Workforce Board Members: The recession has caused a significant increase in traffic in the Career Center from job seekers and from persons seeking assistance with unemployment insurance claims. As many of you will recall, the infrastructure for the un-employment insurance call center was overwhelmed by the number of appli-cants as a result of the recession. In addition to our other responsibilities, we volunteered to support the UI call center at the Career Center in an effort to assist as many UI claimants as possible. Our staff has been busy helping UI claimants to complete their applications on the internet and by mail. The traffic for this service has been heavy and continues to the present time. In addition, we were fortunate to receive significant stimulus funding to serve adults, dislocated workers, and operate a summer work experience pro-gram for youth. Since we have not had a summer program for a number of years, it was necessary to develop work opportunities for each of the 650+ youth that we enrolled and do so in a relatively short period of time. We are grateful for the cooperation of other organizations in our community for their support of the project. The stimulus funds totaled one year of our formula funding in each of the three funding streams and our instructions were to get the program moving as soon as possible. The workforce programs were up to the challenge not only in our community, but across the country as well. We have exhausted the stimulus funding made available to us and are re-questing additional funds from the state. Overall the year has been a success in spite of the challenges. I want to com-mend our staff for the outstanding work under difficult circumstances. In addition, you will notice in our annual report that we exceeded all of the WIA performance standards for the first time. That is due to the hard work of staff assisting all of our participants. Enjoy reviewing the report. Sincerely,

Vaughn Smith, Director

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January 2010

Workforce Connections

“… a great way to get qualified job seekers.” Local Employer

“This unfortunate incident with the economy has turned out to be a great opportunity for me to better my education. I am grateful for this opportunity and thank WIA and the Career Center for getting us back on our feet!”

Workforce Connections (WFC), a division of the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC), provides workforce develop-ment services to the citizens and businesses of Knox County. WFC is accountable to and works in conjunction with the local workforce investment board to administer varied state and federally funded programs. WFC ensures that these employment related resources effectively meet the needs of residents in Local Workforce Investment Area Three (Knox County).

During 2008—2009, Workforce Connections: Connected people with jobs- -Provided job search assistance in more than 27,000 customer visits -Placed 617 qualified applicants in employment -Placed / Supported 14 Transitioning Students with significant disabilities / support needs into employment Provided Adult Education Services- -Provided basic skills, academic upgrades, and general adult education services to 223 students -Helped 37 people reach their goal of passing the GED -Assisted 892 people to earn Career Readiness Certificates Helped individuals improve their standard of living- -In-school youth earned an average of $1,200 through part- time summer work experiences -Older youth program completers each earn more than $19,000 annually -Adults and Dislocated Workers completing training programs will collectively earn more than $4,300,000 in their first year after program completion -Local Employers received more than $200,000 to provide skills upgrades to their employees


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February 2010

Program Impact ∗ Career Center staff directly placed 617 qualified ap-

plicants in employment. ∗ Staff assisted 64 EZ residents with enrolling in

training funded through City of Knoxville Empow-erment Zone (EZ) dollars.

- 43 completed training; 13 continue in training - Completers are earning an average of $11.25/hr

"I just wanted to take the time to thank everyone at the Career Center for their hard work in helping me to find work. These are people who care about people's individual needs to get back to work."

“I have paid for resume services and this class exceeded any so-called professional services I have ever attended. Thank you."


Funded through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and coordinated with several partners, the Career Center provides career development ser-vices to individuals and business services to the employer community. Anyone may access the core services offered at the Career Center. Indi-viduals needing additional assistance may qualify for more intensive services and / or skill training made available through Career Center partners.

The Career Center experienced a continued increase in Resource Center visits this year. Cus-tomers received assistance with job search, re-sume development, labor market information, career counseling, and other career development services during over 27,000 visits. The Career Center hosted forty-three employer recruiting events during the year, and one-hundred and fifty job search workshops.


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“The instructor was easy to understand and profes-sional. The information was specific and relevant for today's changing job market. Thank you."

“Thanks to Workforce Connections, the Tennessee Career Center, and the staff for all the assistance and con-tinued help in training, career guid-ance, counseling, and case manage-ment during the last year.”

“Thanks for your help!”

March 2010

"Thank you for everything you have done for me. You have helped me accomplish one of my dreams.”

Michael was a lamination technician with no high school diploma and little formal training when his job was elimi-nated at Sea Ray Boats in June 2008. With the end of his job, Michael decided to obtain training that would help him se-cure future employment. He started a GED class in July and earned his GED by September 08. He earned a silver Career Readiness Certificate and then began training in Industrial Electricity at Tennessee Technology Center in January 2009. He made the Honor Society, maintains an average of 96+, and will finish his training soon. His wife and child are very proud!

"My confidence has been built up through this workshop. I am confident I will get results."


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April 2010 Darcel is a single parent of 2 who was working part time and struggling to attend school. She was trying to make ends meet on student loans, her part-time earnings, and food stamps when she learned about the WIA program. Staff were able to assist her with completing her RN program including helping her complete her nursing exam and applying for li-censure. Darcel graduated, received her license, and is now working full time making $18+ per hour.

Program Impact 2008-2009 adult program completers are projected to earn annual wages of more than $1,800,000!

The Adult Program, under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998, is designed to as-sist eligible individuals in finding and qualifying for meaningful employment. WIA services also help employers find the skilled workers they need to compete and succeed in business.


“Without your help I wouldn’t be where I am today! Thank you for caring!”

Thank you for your diligence in securing funds for my career training. I truly appreciate all the work you and the staff do daily at the Career Center. I will ap-ply all of my effort for success in this wonderful op-portunity. Again, thank you.


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May 2010

Program Impact 2008-2009 dislocated workers completing WFC programs are expected to collectively earn more than $2.4 million annually!

An unexpected job loss can be very stressful and unpleasant. The WIA Dislocated Worker Program provides quality services to employers and employ-ees alike. Comprehensive services to assist perma-nently laid-off employees include job search and placement assistance, labor market and in-demand occupation information, testing and assessment, re-sume preparation and interviewing skills, and skills training if needed.

Michele lost her job as an office clerk during a layoff. Although she had worked in an office, she found that her poor computer skills truly limited her job opportu-nities. Through WIA dislocated worker services, she received the opportunity to enhance her employment options by taking and completing a Business Productiv-ity Certification Program. Michele vastly increased her computer knowledge and earned a set of certifications in multiple software programs. She now works full-time as an Administrative Assistant with Blue Cross & Blue Shield.

Individual Impact 2008-2009 Dislocated Worker Program Completers are

averaging more than $34,000 in annual wages.

Denise has seen the effects of downsizing more than once. She ex-perienced a plant closure with Levi Strauss Company, but located new employment with Panasonic. When she received a layoff notice from Panasonic in June 2008, she again began the process of trying to locate new employment. This time she decided to try a new career path. With WIA assistance, she enrolled at Tennessee Technology Center in the Medical Assistant Program. She completed her train-ing, earned her diploma, and obtained full-time employment as a Medical Assistant with a pediatric medicine facility. No longer de-pendent on her previously limited skill set, she now “looks forward to a productive career as a Medical Assistant.”

Jason was employed with a local company as a milling op-erator for twelve years. When the company closed its opera-tions in May of 2008, Jason began active job search through the Tennessee Career Center and Workforce Connections. Staff connected him with new employer, Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, where he was hired as a Quality Control Machine Operator.

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Wesly came into the youth program homeless and fending for him-self. His mother left and moved their trailer to another state having little contact with her son. Wesley found shelter with a friend and was able to maintain A’s and B’s at South Doyle High School. In May 2009 he graduated and went to work at Ijams Nature Center through the Workforce Connections summer employment program where he was praised for his work ethic. He has gone on to pursue a career in nursing at Pellissippi State where he maintains excellent grades.

Amadu came to Workforce Connections as a refugee from Liberia. He attended Austin East High School and worked hard to overcome

the language barrier and graduate with his class. He worked two summers at Beardsley farms through the Workforce Connections summer employment pro-gram and moved into the role of super-visor due to his hard work ethic. He graduated with honors from Austin East High School and is attending ETSU where he is majoring in engineering and playing soccer.

PROGRAM IMPACT ∗ In-school youth participants

earned $99,000 in incentive payments for improved grades, passing Gateway exams, graduation, and follow-up.

∗ 50 of 52 seniors participating in the in-school program success-fully graduated from high school, including one class valedictorian.

∗ 84% of graduating seniors went on to post-secondary programs.

The Youth Program and its partners offer services for in-school and out-of-school youth between the ages of 14—21. These ser-vices prepare economically disadvantaged youth for the workforce by helping them improve their basic skills, gain work experience, obtain post-secondary education, and secure employment. Services also include activities to promote leadership and develop citizenship skills. Specialized programs include the Seamless Transition Project, a partnership with the Cerebral Palsy Center to aid students with significant disabilities in transitioning out of school and into work.


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July 2010

Adam grew up in Alabama, leading a comfortable life and spending his free time improving his golf game and playing pool. All of this changed when his father died. Adam left his small Alabama town and headed to Knoxville, where he has family. He moved in with his grandmother and did odd jobs for his uncle’s construction company when there was work. Still, life was difficult, and his grandmother’s fixed income wasn’t enough to cover their needs. Resorting to hustling pool halls for income, Adam missed a lot of school and was heading down a dead-end road. Luckily, Adam decided to take responsibility for himself and change his lifestyle before it was too late. He earned his GED and got enrolled in the Industrial Electricity program at TTC-K, where he excelled. After nearly two years of rigorous training, Adam completed the program and found work with a local electrician. Now his sights are set on the fu-ture. He hopes to someday start his own company so that he can provide the kind of life for his long-time girlfriend and step-son that he feels they deserve. As for WIA’s role in helping him achieve his dreams, Adam is very grateful. “If it wasn’t for you being there and providing me with support and help throughout my time in school, I couldn’t have done it. I’d probably still be in a pool hall somewhere, ya’ll made a huge difference.”

Sarah became part of the Seamless Transition Project during her last year of school. Project staff helped her locate a job which she began 2 months prior to graduating from high school. She continues to work with that company over a year later and has received a promotion. She has made the transition from school to work!

You made a huge difference—thanks!

Individual Impact Older youth participants increased their annual income by more than $4,000.


After working in banking operations for the past 18 years, I was laid off this past June. This seemed devastating at the time. Little did I know a wonderful opportunity would come knocking at my door. Thanks to the Tennessee Career Center and WIA, I was able to begin training to be a practical nurse!

I wanted to take time to thank you for letting me become part of this program, it has been much more than I could have hoped for. You have done a great job of putting it together speaking for my-self. I am a displaced worker, from SeaRay Boats, where I worked for 17 years before being laid off. . . you and your program stepped up and did something for the people of this area. This program gave us hope, a school, books, tools, and a very good instructor. For myself, you gave me hope and the opportunity to make this a very good outcome with better days to come!

Last year, I was working at Goody’s corporate office. I enjoyed my job and never imagined that it would end. . . . I didn’t know how to pick up the pieces to start my life over again. . . . . A friend of mine recommended that I go to the Career Center . . . It was the best thing I have ever done in my life . . . . this time next year I will be a nurse working with children.


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August 2010

As the recession worsened during 2008-2009, Knox County, like most of the country, saw increased lay-offs and rising unemployment. Workforce Connections provided information and career planning services to dislocated workers and unemployed adults. When Con-gress made funding available through ARRA, Workforce Connections and its partners responded with expanded training opportunities and summer jobs for low-income youth and young adults.

ARRA Funded LPN Class at TTC—Knoxville

“. . . you and your program stepped up and did something for the people of this area.”


Randy and Bruce started their own businesses after receiving ARRA-funded weatherization training at PSCC.

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September 2010

Program Impact 612 low-income youth gained job skills and earned $1,500 in average wages through the ARRA program. 285 adults and dislocated workers are benefitting from new skills and related job opportunities.


In summer 2009, 150+ youth from the in-school program participated in summer work experience. Additional low-income youth participated in work experience thanks to ARRA funds made available in Knox County. Youth had the oppor-tunity to learn work skills and to earn dollars—which they immediately injected into the local economy! Adults and Dislocated Workers affected by the economy had the opportunity to receive training and learn new skills.

“The work I’m doing this summer is going to be helpful to scientists in the future.”

“I gained leadership skills, teamwork and responsibility through this experience.”

It was good to earn money, so that I could buy clothes for school, a video game I wanted, and help my mom get her car fixed.”


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During 2008—2009, Ross Learning Center provided basic training opportunities includ-ing GED classes, literacy skills, and academic upgrades for post-secondary programs. De-spite ongoing funding struggles and staff re-ductions, Ross Learning Center assisted 223 adult learners and aided 37 people in receiv-ing their GED.

“Without them, I would not have made it or passed my test.”

At age 15, Hollie dropped out of school to try to help support his family when his mother was injured. He worked for years and occasionally tried to pursue his education, but always without success. “I tried three different places and couldn’t get some of the teachers to devote enough time to explain a lot of the work in a way that I would understand it. I gave up and began to think that I would never get my GED.” When the recession began and Hollie was laid off from his job, he de-cided his only hope to get a good job was to pursue his educa-tion—again. After a few months attending Ross Learning Center, Hollie was finally able to get his GED. “Most of all I would really like to thank Amber for all her patience on teach-ing me and getting me to where I am today.”

Program Impact Individuals completing their GED will earn, on average, $8,000+ more per year than those without a high school diploma or GED.

October 2010

I have to give credit to all of the teachers and the tutors that have helped me at Ross. They deserve a lot of recognition for all they do for everyone!

I have finally accomplished a lifelong dream –getting MY GED!


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November 2010

“Thanks” could never be enough. Your belief and support kept me going when I thought I was not going to make it.

“Thank you for making my school experience a lot easier.”

WIA participant, Brett Moore, and instructor of Unexploded Ordnance Technician training


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December 2010

While Workforce Investment Act funds comprise the majority of resources administered by Workforce Connections, multiple stake-holders contribute to the operation of a broad range of employ-ment-related programs and services. 2009-10 funding partners include: ∗ Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development:

Workforce Development and Adult Education Divisions ∗ Pellissippi State Community College ∗ Friends of Literacy ∗ East Tennessee / Mountain Rest Home Foundations ∗ CAC Local Contributions ∗ City of Knoxville Empowerment Zone Funds


Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Formula Funds—Adult , DW, & Youth $ 2,685,496.00

WIA—Business & Specialized Services $ 371,962.44

American Recovery & Reinvestment Act $ 622,625.78

City of Knoxville—EZ Funding $ 76,144.22

Adult Education $ 70,695.00 TOTAL $ 3,826,924.38

WIA ‐Formula Funds70%

WIA ‐Business & Specialized Services10%

ARRA16%

City ‐EZ Funds2%

Adult Education

2%

EXPENDITURES2008‐2009$3,826,924.38

Workforce Connections collaborates or part-ners with numerous groups and organizations in the area to foster employment and eco-nomic development in East Tennessee.

WIA PERFORMANCE MEASURES*

*Performance Measure information is estimated based on most recently available data. Final standards for the period have not yet been published by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. *Earnings Measures: Adult and Dislocated Worker Programs use an Average Earnings measure; this is the wages earned in 2nd and 3rd quarters after exit.

HOW ARE WE DOING?

Workforce Connections programs and funders have varying ways of determining if performance is satis-factory. WIA performance measures are a signifi-cant benchmark used each year to determine if WIA funded programs are successful. These indicators also determine whether LWIA 3 may receive incen-tive funding to provide additional services in the area. Workforce Connections uses internal and external monitoring along with a variety of tools to determine levels of success. Comments from customers and stakeholders help tell the story:

Last year in high school, I found it hard to maintain a positive outlook on my fu-ture in a country with increasing eco-nomic difficulty and limited financial soundness. The WIA program has over-turned my worries about affording an education. My acceptance into this pro-gram has given me more than job secu-rity and education; it has given me the hope that my potential will be put to use.

Thanks Very Much!

I just want to express my appreciation to everyone for your help during my time of unemployment the past few months. “

86.00%

88.00%

92.50%

94.40%

Adult

Dislocated Worker

Entered Employment RateOUTCOME GOAL

86.00%

90.10%

87.50%

96.60%

Adult

Dislocated Worker

Employment Retention Rate

OUTCOME GOAL

$12,805.00

$13,305.00

$13,534.00

$16,463.00

Adult

Dislocated Worker

Earnings OUTCOME GOAL

91.30%

88.50%

75.00%

70.00%

70.00%

30.00%

Placement in Employment or Education

Attainment of Degree or Certificate

Literacy and Numeracy Gains

YouthOUTCOME GOAL

Jed Dance Bacon and Company Sig Dietz Knoxville-Knox County Council on Aging Joe Dirl Tennessee Dept of Labor & Workforce Development Mabry Duff Classic Man Formal Wear Allen Edwards Pellissippi State Technical Community College Ron Emery Emery 5 & 10 David Esa Tennessee Technology Center Frances Hall Hall Communications, Inc Terry Henley Terry Henley Enterprises Anna Hinds Stone and Hinds, PC Tom Jensen Safe Skies Alliance Kelli Jones St. Mary's Hospital Don Lawson Knox County Schools

Kay Wright—Chairperson Covenant Health John Davis—1st Vice Chairperson Express Markets Ed Owens—2nd Vice Chairperson Allison, Sherrod, Owens, & Siddons Suzanne Coile—Secretary AFL-CIO Technical Assistance Ron Alexander Willis of Tennessee Virginia Anagnost Knoxville-Knox County CAC Sam Anderson City of Knoxville Martha Axford Holiday Inn Select Pat Beasley Catalyst Technology Group Beal Bourne Jarnigan and Sons Mortuary Ruth Brock Tenn Department of Human Services / Rehab Srvcs Art Cate Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation

Anna Hinds Stone and Hinds, PC Tom Jensen Safe Skies Alliance Don Lawson Knox County Schools Doug Minter Brooke Insurance Albert Nelson East Knoxville Neighborhood Center Joan Newman PSCC Adult Education Nancy Nitzberg Regal Cinemas, Inc Mark Rigsby City of Knoxville David Smith Johnson & Galyon J.J. Walker AFL-CIO Central Labor Council Tim Witt Tennessee Dept of Labor & Workforce Development

Jed Dance Bacon and Company Jeff Davis Tennessee Technology Center Sig Dietz Knoxville-Knox County Council on Aging Joe Dirl Tennessee Dept of Labor & Workforce Development Mabry Duff Classic Man Formal Wear Allen Edwards Pellissippi State Community College Ron Emery Emery 5 & 10 Jennifer Evans Knoxville Chamber Partnership Frances Hall Hall Communications, Inc Greg Helton Tenn Dept of Human Services/Family Assistance Terry Henley Terry Henley Enterprises

WFC programs funded in part under agreements with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development

Equal Opportunity Employer / Program Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities

Workforce Connections Board 2008-2009 Local Workforce Investment Area 3

ANNUAL REPORT 2008-2009Workforce Connections (WFC), a division of the Knoxville-Knox County...

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