DURHAM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD - …s3.amazonaws.com/zanran_storage/… · ·...
Transcript of DURHAM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD - …s3.amazonaws.com/zanran_storage/… · ·...
3
Table Of Contents A Message from the Chair, Denise Motley-Johnston ......... 4
A Message from the Executive Director, Kevin Dick ........ 5
Accomplishments and Highlights ....................................... 7
Durham at a Glance ........................................................... 8
Business Services ................................................................ 9
Durham JobLink ................................................................ 14
JobLink Adult/Dislocated Worker Program. . . . . . . . . . . .16
JobLink Ex-Offender Program ........................................... 19
Brownfields Job Training Program .................................... 21
JobLink Youth Program ..................................................... 22
Durham Workforce Development Board ......................... 25
Durham Workforce Development Staff ............................ 26
A Look Ahead .................................................................... 27
4
Greetings to the Durham Community:
Despite economic uncertainty, Durham has experienced economic
growth and business expansion over the past year. With the
November election and changes in policy, new and expanded
opportunities have been created in many labor market areas,
including “green jobs,” biotechnology, healthcare and education,
areas the Durham Workforce Development Board and it JobLink
Partners have been focusing on for the past four years. This growth
will expand further with the most recent enactment of the American
Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA). This unprecedented
stimulus plan is designed to jumpstart our economy, create new jobs
and save existing jobs. The White House estimated that this plan will
create or save approximately 105,000 jobs in North Carolina, 9,100
of which are in the Durham area.
The Board is working hard to ensure that Durham takes full advantage of these opportuni-
ties to get short-term work and job-training to provide or increase income and sharpen
skills. Partnerships and alliances have been formed realizing we must work together to
accomplish the greater good for Durham. Two major youth initiatives illustrate this
partnership - the 2008 Durham Youth Summit and 2009 Mayor‟s Summer Youth Program
Job Fair. These alliances will ensure our youth and transitional, incumbent and emerging
workers are career-ready, trained and skilled for the workforce. We will continue to strive to
meet the challenges presented by the economic downturn in this global economy, by
providing strong support to Durham, working with Durham leaders, businesses, citizens and
jobseekers.
Sincerely,
Denise Motley-Johnston
Chairwoman-Durham Workforce Development Board
Message from the Chair
Durham Workforce Development Board
Denise Motley Johnston,
DWDB Chair/Director of
Human Resources for Recruit-ment & Talent Management at
Duke University and Health
System
5
Dear Durham Businesses and Job Seekers:
As we welcome you to learn from and enjoy reading our 2007-2008 Annual
Report, here’s how we see the situation in Durham.
Can you think of a time that could be more important than now for the work we
do? At the time this Report was released last year, the unemployment rate in
Durham was 3.9%, business expansion was unprecedented and the job market in
Durham was ripe for many of those looking for employment. But things have
changed. Now, the unemployment rate is 7.3%, we are coming off a year
(2008), in which there were over 1300 layoffs in Durham and a rapid rate of
downsizing and business closings.
All of the community problems that directly impact workforce development in Durham have become
larger. We have an even greater need than before to connect disconnected youth to educational and
employment opportunities. We need to reinforce the JobLink System as the primary vehicle to
businesses and job seekers of with various levels of experience and career backgrounds. We need to
keep Durham very much in the forefront of any legislative agenda that focuses upon economic and
workforce development, so that Durham residents can reap the benefits of policy changes that positively
impact Durham and the Research Triangle.
So, how do we build upon momentum from last year? How do we surpass our performance in placing
and retaining unemployed and under-employed adults, laid off workers and low income youth –
performance that earned us the highest amount of performance incentives in the State? How do we
improve the processes and procedures that have made the Durham JobLink Career Center one of the
most highly regarded JobLinks in the State – only 1 of 22 out of 100 that are chartered at the highest
possible level? How do we improve our number of 2,600 job placements in 2008 in an economic
downturn when mass layoffs make more news than mass hiring?
Durham – we welcome the opportunity to help you. We know that now, you need us more than ever.
We are still here with the largest amount of available jobs anywhere in Durham and the highest amount
of registered job seekers anywhere in Durham. We can provide labor market information that helps a
job seeker choose the best career path and a business decide how much to pay people in order to stay
competitive. We are invested in making connections to training opportunities. We can still prepare the
workforce with improving pre/post employment skills by offering one on one counseling, relevant
workshops and appropriate job referrals.
Durham we‟re here for you. We are committed to sustaining a vibrant workforce in Durham through the
Durham JobLink Partnership.
Sincerely Your Partner,
Kevin Dick
Executive Director – Durham Workforce Development Board
Member of the Durham JobLink Partnership
Kevin Dick,
Executive Director, DWDB
Message from the Executive Director
ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008
6
Mission of the Board...
To plan, facilitate and coordinate a workforce development system that responds to the
needs of businesses and job seekers, and results in a skilled, productive and competitive
workforce for Durham.
Vision of the Board...
Durham must develop a competitive workforce system that meets the needs of area
employers and jobseekers.
Key Strategies...
Assuming a leadership role in promoting vocational and technical education in
Durham targeted to key growth occupations.
Advocating for expanded public investment (federal, state and local) in Durham.
Improving information dissemination about regional opportunities for job seekers,
businesses, service providers and community leaders.
Developing and seeding initiatives that offer career ladders for workers currently
earning below the living wage.
Targeting WIA investments in: (a) high growth industries and occupations,
(b) growth industries with transitional job opportunities, and ( c ) small and
medium-sized enterprises in targeted industries.
Using Workforce Development Board controlled resources to leverage other
investments in these priorities.
Durham Workforce Development Board
7
ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND HIGHLIGHTS
Over the past year, the Durham Workforce Development Board (DWDB) was witness to a number
of programmatic and service driven accomplishments and highlights. Below are some of the
highlights of 2007-2008:
2008 Youth Summit: In November 2008, a Youth Summit
was held to facilitate discussions about important issues related
to youth ages 14-21 and to promote awareness about programs
that are designed to help youth & parents address these issues.
Durham JobLink Awarded Charter III: The Durham JobLink
is among 22 out of 100 JobLink Centers to receive the highest
distinction provided to a JobLink Center. The Charter Level III
signifies that processes and procedures are in place to ensure
that businesses and job seekers receive optimal services.
Brownfields Job Training Program: Durham was awarded a $200,000 Brownfields Job
Training grant by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This funding will pay for
up to 60 Durham residents to gain the skills and training needed to effectively gain employment
in the assessment and clean-up activities associated with the redevelopment & reuse of
brownfields sites.
JobLink Recognition Ceremony: In October 2008, the Durham JobLink recognized
individuals, organizations, businesses and service providers who have significantly contributed
to building a healthy workforce in Durham. Recognition awards were given to the JobLink
Adult/Youth; Business partners; Career Advancement Partner and
Community Partner of the Year.
DWDB Implements New Board Standards: The North Carolina
Commission on Workforce Development acknowledged the Durham
Workforce Development Board (DWDB) for meeting high
performance standards for local development boards. In August
2006, the Commission adopted the NC High Performing Local
Workforce Board Standards. The standards were developed with an
emphasis on ensuring local workforce boards are working toward
strategic workforce development objectives.
Regional Workforce Development Forums: The Durham
Workforce Development Board in conjunction with Capital Area &
Kerr-Tar Workforce Development Boards and Research Triangle
Regional Partnership sponsored forums to discuss recruitment and retention of talent in the fields
of Bioscience, Education, Healthcare and Communications industries.
ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008
“We appreciate your continuing support and cooperation as we strive to pro-
vide quality workforce development services to the people of North Carolina.” Roger Shackleford, Executive Director of NC Commission on Workforce Development, in a letter
addressed to DWDB
“With all the tools
and technology at
your disposal, there is
no reason you can
not be successful.” - Guest speaker, Brian Dawson,
radio personality addressing
youth participants at the 2008
Youth Summit
Kevin R. McDonald, President of
Triangle Residential Options for
Substance Abusers (TROSA) served as
the guest speaker for the JobLink
Recognition Ceremony.
8
DURHAM AT A GLANCE
2008 Durham Accolades
Durham # 1 in MSA for America’s
Hottest Job Market - Biz Journals 2008
Durham # 2 in Best Green Cities - Country Home 2008
Durham # 3 in Best Place to Ride out
a Recession - Business Week 2008
Durham # 7 in Best Place for
Business and Careers - Forbes 2008
Some of the following economic indicators highlight Durham’s
unique position and economic outlook in 2007-2008:
Durham continues to lead the region in announced business investments. In the first, second,
and third quarters in 2008, the announced investment in Durham County was $730 million, a
number that towers above all surrounding counties.
Durham continues to have a young population, almost 4.5 years younger than the state average,
providing talent and energy for a demanding workforce.
Our population has increased by over 25% since 1998, which continues to drive economic
activity.
Durham Workforce Development Board
Durham County’s Diversity—2007 Survey
Source: US Census Bureau/ American Community Survey/
OEWD
Educational Attainment 2007-2008
Population 25 Years and Over
United States
North Carolina
Durham County
9
Where the Jobs Are
Throughout 2007-2008, workforce assessments continued to
show that the greatest employment growth in Durham County is
occurring in several key industries and related occupations.
Among these key industries are: Higher Education, Computer
Software & Systems Integration, Healthcare, Biotechnology/
Biosciences and Green Jobs.
Higher Education - Substantial research and development goes
on throughout Durham‟s key institutions of higher learning.
Durham‟s universities and colleges, including Duke University,
North Carolina Central University and Durham Technical
Community College are important contributors to this segment of
the local economy. Postsecondary teaching opportunities in Durham are projected to grow and/or add
approximately 1,500 new positions over the next ten years. Many of these positions will require
employees to hold advanced degrees.
Computer Software and Systems Integration - The Information Technology sector drives wide
ranging levels of growth and provides an important source of new high wage jobs both inside Research
Triangle Park and throughout Durham County. Because of the attractive quality of life and lower cost of
living in Durham (in contrast to many other tech centers like Silicon Valley or Route 128 in Boston) the
area continues to attract new talent in these related fields. Durham continues to see a growing demand
for individuals with a background and/or knowledge in software development and systems integration
activities. A number of area employers are looking for prospective employees with related bachelor
degrees, although, in some cases, workers with an Associate‟s degree may successfully compete for said
jobs.
Biosciences - Nationally, the dynamic Biosciences industry provides a range of opportunities for people
with various levels of education attainment. Durham‟s economy creates significant employment in three
sub-sectors of the Biosciences: Drugs & Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices & Equipment and Research
&Testing. A variety of occupations can be found in each of these bioscience-related industries. For
example, R&D in the Physical, Engineering and Life Sciences requires employees to hold advanced
degrees, whereas the manufacturing oriented bioscience industries represents an occupational mix of
employees with advanced degrees and individuals with skill-sets that can be acquired through short/
moderate term on-the-job training opportunities.
Health Care - Durham‟s position as the „City of Medicine‟ provides a number of opportunities to
succeed in a number of health-related occupations for people at all levels. Many of these occupations
offer realistic avenues for work that require only a high school degree or some post-secondary training
or certification. The jobs in these health-related fields are currently in great demand, and the number of
workers in the field is expected to grow rapidly. For instance, registered nurses are one of Durham‟s
most highly demanded occupations. Projections by Regional Dynamics indicate that Durham will create
almost 1,200 new positions for registered nurses over the next 10 years.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Professional stakeholders attend 2008
Regional Healthcare Forum
ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008
10
2007-2008 Business Service Highlights
Rapid Response Services– The Durham JobLink provided employee assistance to businesses
affected by layoffs in 2007-2008. Employee assistance included information related to unemployment
insurance, search for employment, re-training and social & community benefits. Career readiness
workshops were also conducted. Employees from manufacturing, technology, and financial sectors
were affected by these layoffs.
Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA) - In September 2008, a local team
was formed as a result of a concept discussed at a coordinated planning meeting at Triangle J Council
of Governments to coordinate cost-effective and customer-focused transportation services in Durham
County. The team‟s purpose was to coordinate Durham City and County transportation services and
promote regional transportation efficiencies, information, services, and equipment to enhance services
and coverage in Durham County. The team‟s initial focus was on identifying the benefits and
disadvantages of consolidating Durham City and Durham County transportation services including
opportunities for using regional transit . One outcome will be drafting a conceptual transit system
service design that meets the full complement of needs for Durham City, the non-urbanized area, and
various human service agencies.
Project Homeless Connect - In September 2008, the Durham JobLink in partnership with the
10-Year Plan to End Homelessness, organized a special employee recruiting event. The recruiting
event was open to individuals that completed the work readiness workshops offered through the
JobLink Center. Three (3) businesses interviewed thirty (30) individuals and eleven (11) were
identified as potential hires.
BUSINESS SERVICES "I cannot begin to express my gratitude to you and your teams for their work
with our employees at Silver Line. You were nothing short of amazing. I
cannot imagine that any employer being faced with a reduction or closing
would not take advantage of the programs you have available. Many, many
employees came to my office specifically to say thanks for the knowledge
they gained from the Rapid Response meetings. Thank you from the bottom
of my heart!"
—Sandy Gainey, Human Resource Manager, SilverLine Windows
Durham Workforce Development Board
Where the Jobs Are (continued)
Green Jobs - According to the North Carolina Green Economy Resource Directory, in 2008 North Carolina had
an estimated 63,000 green jobs. The “green” in green jobs is about preserving and enhancing environmental
quality. Job growth is estimated to be in renewable energy, sustainable farming and natural health products.
Cormetech, Inc. was awarded a $24,230.00 training grant through a competitive process through the North
Carolina Incumbent Workforce Development Program in November 2008. Through the grant, Cormetech will
provide 37 of their existing employees with the following training components: Lean manufacturing principles
w/factory simulation overview, Value stream mapping and training, Total productive maintenance, Manager of
environmental health & safety module II , Failure mode effects and analysis, Leadership essentials for effective
change management and VMware infrastructure 3.5 ultimate boot camp. Cormetech, Inc. is the leading
producer of titania-based ceramic honeycomb catalyst for NOx (nitrous oxide) emission control used in
Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems for air pollution control.
11
North Carolina Incumbent Workforce Development Program
North Carolina's Incumbent Workforce Development Program under the federal Workforce Invest-
ment Act provides competitive grant opportunities to established North Carolina businesses to provide
educational and skills training for current workers. There is a maximum funding level of $37,500 in a
single grant year; however, a company may apply for a subsequent grant (s) to reach the lifetime
maximum funding of $50,000. The following Durham-based businesses were awarded incumbent
grants for 2007-2008:
“As the industry’s leader in pharmacy automation, Parata is committed to excellence in employee
training. Durham JobLink has been a valuable partner in providing high-quality skills building for
our engineering team,” says John Kleis, Vice President of Human Resources
at Parata.
BUSINESS SERVICES
Businesses interested in applying for Incumbent Worker Program funding can develop a training proposal in conjunction with the lo-
ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008
Company Industry Program
Year
Grant
Amount
Company
Match
$ Estimate
Total Project
Value
Employees Trained/
Type of Training
Eisai Inc. Bioscience 2007 $15,000 0 $15,000 32/PJT Train the Trainer &
Project Management
Cameron &
Cameron
Logistics 2007 $5,343 0 $5,343 10/Customer Service,
workplace Spanish,
conflict resolution, team
building
Nitronex
Corp.
Manufactur-
ing
2007 $29,799 $7,500 $37,299 48/ISO 9001:2000 Quality
Management System
Parata
Systems
Pharmaceu-
tical Mfg.
2007 $21,750 $1,000 $22,750 40/Lean experience,
Certified Quality
Improvement, Six Sigma
Cormetech,
Inc.
Manufactur-
ing
2008 $24,230 $30,540 $54,770 37/Lean manufacturing
principles w/factory
simulation overview, Value
stream
Roadmark
Corp.
Highway
Pavement
2008 $17,000 $5,440 $22,440 47/highway safety training
Totals
$113,122 $54,451 $411,848 214 individuals trained
12
Occupation New Jobs
(2006-2016) Annual Openings
Entry-Level
Wage in
2007
Median
Wage in
2007
High
Wage in
2007
Educational
Requirements
Engineers/ Applications
807
$66,297
$91,019
$103,380
Bachelor Degree
Systems Software
774
$79,780
$95,028
$119,770
Bachelor Degree
Medical and Clinical
Laboratory
Technologists
130
$28,820
$34,690
$45,950
Associate Degree
Inspectors, Testers,
Sorters Samplers 113 $24,215 $36,985 $43,370
Moderate-term on-the
-job training
Source: North Carolina Employment Security Commission/ US Department of Labor
BUSINESS SERVICES
Employment Growth in Durham’s Key Healthcare-Related Occupations
Occupation New Jobs
(2006-2016) Annual Openings
Entry-Level
Wage in
2007
Median
Wage in
2007
High
Wage in
2007
Educational
Requirements
Registered Nurse 3,433 $47,710 $58,362 $69,850 Associate Degree
Licensed Practical
&Licensed
Vocational Nurses 314 $33,313 $38,729 $41,437
Postsecondary
Vocational
Award
Medical Records and
Health Information
Technicians 164 $24,382 $37,589 $44,192 Associate Degree
Dental Hygienists 101 $49,359 $63,376 $70,385 Bachelor Degree
Healthcare
Practitioners /
Technical Workers 630 $35,760 $59,428 $71,262
Postsecondary
Vocational
Award
Source: North Carolina Employment Security Commission/US Department of Labor
Employment Growth in Durham’s Biosciences Sector
Durham Workforce Development Board
13
Employment Growth for Durham’s Higher Education Sector
Occupation New Jobs
(2006-2016) Annual Openings
Entry-Level
Wage in
2007
Median
Wage in
2007
High
Wage in
2007
Educational
Requirements
Postsecondary Teachers 1500 $38,966 $58,420 $68,146
Master and Doctoral Degrees
Office Clerks, General
201 $19,544 $28,746 $33,348 Short-term on-the
job training
Executive Secretaries and Administrative Assistants
201 $27,627 $36,992 $41,675
Moderate-term
on-the job
training
Accountants
854 $34,739 $57,241 $68,492 Bachelor Degree
Source: North Carolina
Employment Security Commission
BUSINESS SERVICES
Occupation New Jobs
(2006-2016) Annual Openings
Entry-Level
Wage in
2007
Median
Wage in
2007
High
Wage in
2007
Education
Requirements
Computer Software
Engineers/ Applications 807 $66,297
$91,019
$103,380
Bachelor Degree
Computer Systems
Analysts
864
$51,693
$78,115
$91,326
Bachelor Degree
Computer Support
Specialists 534 $35,377 $60,785 $73,488 Associate Degree
Network Systems & Data
Communications Ana-
lysts
341 $42,820 $67,890 $80,430 Bachelor Degree
Source: North Carolina
Employment Security Commission
Employment Growth in Durham’s Key Computer Software & Systems Occupations
ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008
14
North Carolina designed its one-stop
delivery system, known as the JobLink
Career Center System, to be locally
chartered and market driven. The Durham
JobLink‟s stated goal is to provide a
one-stop resource center where a business
can find skilled, work-ready employees
and where potential workers can go for
training and job placement.
The Durham JobLink offers an extensive database of workers, on-line labor market information,
job postings, employer tax credits, and education and training resource data. The JobLink also
provides recruitment and outplacement assistance, and provides high quality services responsive
to the local needs of workers and businesses to ensure local economic viability.
Services to job seekers include:
Free computer access
Career guidance
Resume preparation
Help with job search
Information on the job market
Training classes and workshops
Information on training/ education
Access to resources for training
Unemployment Insurance claims
Veterans‟ services Breakdown of Job Seekers
by Age Groups 2007-2008
Durham JobLink Career Center
Durham Workforce Development Board
15
Durham JobLink Career Center
Since 2005, there have been 185,197
visits to the Durham JobLink Career
Center made by individuals seeking
workforce development and job-
placement services.
The graph to the right represents visits to
the JobLink by repeat customers.
005-2008
Initiatives/Accomplishments: JobLink Awarded Charter Level III: The Durham JobLink Career Center has received an
important distinction – it is now among 22 out of 100 JobLink Career Centers throughout the
State of North Carolina to receive a Level III Charter. This is the highest distinction provided
to a JobLink Career Center and signifies that processes and procedures are in place to ensure
that businesses and job seekers receive optimal service. As part of the award, the City of
Durham and the Durham Workforce Development Board received a $25,000 cash award that
will be used to further improve JobLink operations. Durham JobLink staff also received
special recognition at the North Carolina Workforce Development Partnership Conference
that was held from October 22 – October 24, 2008 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Creation of JobLink Logic Newsletter: The Durham JobLink Career Center created its first
newsletter, The Durham JobLink Logic. The newsletter‟s objective is to provide a common
venue for the sharing of timely information between Durham JobLink Partners and the
citizens of Durham. Recent and upcoming events are highlighted as well as providing
updated career information for job seeker events.
Customer Service Focus Groups: In July 2008, the Durham JobLink Career Center held
two customer service focus groups. These focus groups were a part of an initiative to examine
the level of customer service a person receives while visiting the JobLink Center.
Thirty-seven (37) participants completed surveys rating/describing their experience at the
JobLink Center. Participants also identified additional resources that they would like added
to the JobLink to enhance the center‟s services.
Development Workshops: Along with providing Human Resource Development
workshops, the Durham JobLink held career-directed seminars. “Get Your Money Straight”
presented by NC Mutual Life Insurance Company, highlighted the appropriate steps to
manage money and your assets. The City of Durham‟s Economic and Workforce
Development and the Institute facilitated a seminar on “Funding Your Own Business.” This
workshop discussed small business loans and business plan preparation. The „So You Are
Thinking About Nursing” seminar provided a range of opportunities within the nursing field
and the certifications associated with each. The nursing seminar was presented by North
Carolina Central University‟s Department of Nursing.
ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008
16
Durham JobLink Career Center Statistics ( Jan-Dec 2008)
Durham JobLink Career Center
Federal Workforce Investment Act funds are
allocated by the North Carolina Department
of Commerce and distributed to local
workforce development boards to provide
services to individuals 18 years of age and
older who meet state and federal guidelines
for WIA adult/dislocated worker eligibility.
WIA Adult/Dislocated Worker programs
provide underemployed, unemployed and
laid-off workers with employment and
training assistance and can provide the
following services; career counseling; training; job placement; and case management assistance
that may be needed to help program participants successfully obtain long-term and sustainable
employment in the community.
Measurements Totals
Job Orders Received 4,712
Job Openings Received 5,201
Job Openings Filled 885
Individuals Placed 1,096
Employment after Service 1,549
Customer Traffic 48,104
Registered Jobseekers 11,527
Durham Workforce Development Board
WIA Breakdown by Age Groups
2007-2008
WIA Breakdown by Gender
2007-2008
WIA Breakdown by Ethnicity
2007-2008
28%
72%Male
Female
WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker Program
17
WIA Adult/Dislocated Worker Programs
The goal of the WIA Adult/Dislocated program is to provide Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
services that increase the employment, job retention and increased earnings of adult jobseekers. From
2007– 2008 the WIA Adult/Dislocated Worker programs provided services to 218 participants. These
services included (but not limited to):
Assessment of skills
Resume Writing
Employment Search
Case Management
Durham JobLink Career Center
ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008
WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker Program
WIA Dislocated Worker Breakdown by Performance
2007-2008
WIA Adult Breakdown by Performance
2007-2008
18
Durham Workforce Development Board
WIA Breakdown by Average Earnings
For two quarters after participants leave program
2007-2008
Employment Highlights for WIA Adult/Dislocated Worker Program
112 participants who were Dislocated/”laid off” (at no fault of their own) received services
106 Adult participants received services
147 individuals entered into employment
Eighty (80%) percent of Dislocated worker participants and ninety-four (94%) percent of Adult
workers participants were still employed after 6 months
Placement wage goals for participants exceeded state goal
Durham JobLink Career Center
WIA Adult and Dislocated Worker Program
Success Story WIA Adult Program
Sonja, who had worked in a home based business for more than 5 years, came
into the Durham JobLink Career Center in November 2008 as an unemployed
administrative assistant/homemaker. After working closely with her JobLink Case
Manager, she expressed early on that she wanted to move into more of a
traditional work setting where she could gain and increase her skills and have
more exposure to other work experiences.
After taking the aptitude test and entering into the WIA Adult Program it was
determined that Sonja‟s primary barriers in finding employment included; resume
writing, interviewing skills, and polishing her existing skills. With the help of her
case manager, she established a series of short and long-term goals that would address her barriers and
clarify her expectations for the program. Sonja was invited to an Office of Economic & Workforce
Development (OEWD) Retreat to talk about her experience with the WIA Program. She spoke on the
importance of the program and how the program was helping her personally to transition and
maneuver back into the workforce through the tools and additional skills that was provided.
Not long after, Sonja was called to interview with the City of Durham OEWD for a staff assistant
position through the WIA Work Experience Program. She was ultimately hired for the position and
her tenacity and willingness to learn has been an asset to the department.
Sonja Owens hired through the WIA Work
Experience Program.
19
Durham JobLink Career Center Ex-Offender Program
JobLink Ex-Offender Program
The goals of the Ex-Offender Program are to maximize the employability of this population, reduce
recidivism rate to reduce crime in Durham County and improve the workforce of Durham County. From
2007– 2008 the Ex-Offender Program provided services to 130 participants. These services included (but not
limited to):
Employment Case Management/Counseling
Employment Orientations/Workshops
Placement Services
Retention Tracking
ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008
Breakdown of Ex-Offender Program By Ethnicity
2007-2008
Breakdown of Ex-Offender Program By Age Group
2007-2008
Breakdown of Ex-Offender Program By Gender
2007-2008
20
Success Story Ex-Offender Program
Jamal entered the JobLink Ex-Offender Program in April 2008. Prior to enrolling in the program,
Jamal held numerous of jobs including a sales clerk, tire technician, and campaign coordinator. When
Jamal entered the program, he was in search of a job immediately. He was experiencing the many
frustrations of persons that have a criminal background as a barrier.
Through the JobLink services offered, Jamal received intensive case management and soft skills
training. In May 2008, Jamal obtained employment as a tele-fundraiser. Jamal later expressed that he
wanted to move out of the traditional job market and enter into a more technical field, where he could
gain a solid trade/skill set. With assistance, Jamal was able to attend Durham Technical Community
College to receive a certification in Computer Upgrade and Repair. Because of Jamal‟s dedication to
success, he was recognized as the JobLink Adult of the Year at the JobLink Recognition Ceremony.
Jamal‟s motto is “knowledge is the foundation of all things…to know is to learn.” Jamal is an
example to all ex-offenders that the road to success should not be shorten because of your past. Your
past is defined as such and believing in the possibilities of success is a goal with in itself.
Durham Workforce Development Board
Durham JobLink Career Center Ex-Offender Program
Breakdown of Placements by Industries
2007-2008
Employment Highlights for JobLink Ex-Offender Program
130 ex-offenders received employment and/or training services
86 of program participants entered employment
12 program participants entered into training
Seventy (70%) percent of program participants were still employed after 6 months
Average placement wage for program participants was $8.62/hour
21
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) selected the City of Durham as 1 of only 13
jurisdictions nationwide to receive a $200,000 Brownfields Job-Training Grant in March 2008. Through-
out the next two years, this funding will allow 60 Durham residents the opportunity to acquire the skills
and training needed to effectively gain employment in the assessment and cleanup activities associated
with the redevelopment and reuse of local and regional brownfields sites, as well as other marketable
green.
In 2006, the City of Durham received a Brownfields Assessment grant (that made the City eligible to apply
for EPA Brownfields Job-Training funds) for the purpose of conducting community outreach, performing
brownfields assessments, and preparing cleanup and redevelopment plans for sites along the North East
Central Durham (NECD) Pettigrew Street Corridor. Once a thriving residential and business community,
the Pettigrew Street Corridor has suffered greatly from the number of industrial facilities that have closed
in the area. As part of an on-going NECD revitalization strategy, the City and greater NECD community
have been working to identify and assess the number of existing brownfields in the 96-block area, includ-
ing scrap yards, abandoned petroleum stations, and other vacant and abandoned industrial facilities.
On June 23, 2008, a Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued by the City of Durham Office of Economic &
Workforce Development seeking an accredited local training provider to implement a program to train up
to 60 individuals from NECD and the surrounding area in Environmental Technology disciplines that
would enable participants to competitively seek employment upon completion of the program in jobs such
as lead abatement, soil sampling, hazardous material handling and brownfields remediation. Based on an
analysis of regional labor market information, the average starting salaries for these types of positions
range from $11 - $13 per hour.
In response to the RFP, Durham Technical Community College submitted a comprehensive training plan
that included the provision of three 8-week training cycles (20 students per cycle) offering certifications
for program participants in HAZWOPER (Hazardous Waste Operations), Soil Sampling and Analysis,
First Aid & CPR, and Occupational Safety & Health Association (OSHA). After an external/independent
review of the proposal, Durham Tech was recommended and approved by the
Durham City Council to be awarded the training contract. The first of the three
classes was scheduled to begin on January 26, 2009.
Eligible citizens of NECD turned out in high numbers to apply for this initial
cycle of training. During the fall of 2008, a total of 70 applications were
received and more than 40 applicants were interviewed to be considered for
enrollment into the first class. After careful consideration and consultation from
a newly established Brownfields Advisory Panel (comprised of representatives
from Environmental Technology firms, regional consultants, and community
stakeholders), a total of 23 candidates were offered enrollment into the first
class. As new opportunities in green job markets open up in 2009, participants
of this program are both enthusiastic and confident that their training will lead to long-term and sustain-
able employment in this field.
Equipment worn during
hazardous material clean-up.
ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008
Durham JobLink Career Center Brownfields Job Training Program The U.S Environmental Protection Agency defines a “Brownfield” as follows: A Brownfield site is real property
that the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a haz-
ardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant..
(http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/08jtgrants/JT_r04_nc_durham.pdf)
22
The partnership of the Durham JobLink Career Center, the Durham Workforce Development Board
Youth Council, the Youth Employed and Succeeding Program (YES), and the Office of Economic &
Workforce Development is committed to providing quality programs and services to those youth ages
14-21 that are enrolled in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program.
During the previous program year, the Durham JobLink Career Center provided services to over 100
youth enrolled in the WIA program. Below are some of the major highlights for 2007-2008:
2008 Mayor’s Summer Youth Work Program: The Office of Economic & Workforce
Development in collaboration with the Mayor‟s Summer Youth Work Program provided 77 youth
ages 14-21 with an opportunity to work in various City and non-profit agencies. Youth worked a
maximum of 30 hours per week earning $6.50 - $7.50 per hour. The program was designed to
provide youth an opportunity to gain work experience and develop skill-sets while simultaneously
connecting with city/county agencies and the private sector.
WHOA (Working Hard on Achieving): The Durham Workforce Development Board,
through the Durham Youth Council established the Working Hard on Achieving Program for
high school students. The students that are in the WHOA program are students who have been
identified as needing extra support. These students must work hard on achieving good grades and
show a strong commitment towards gaining work skills. Currently, 22 participants of WHOA
meet on the third (3rd) Wednesday of each month to talk about different topics, share their
concerns, and to have fun. Participants have numerous opportunities to visit numerous Durham
businesses/agencies, and further engage in activities that will improve their educational
development.
Durham Workforce Development Board
Breakdown of WIA Youth by Ethnicity
2007-2008
Breakdown of WIA Youth by Gender
2007-2008
Breakdown of WIA Youth by Age Groups
2007-2008
Durham JobLink Career Center Youth Program
23
2008 Youth Summit
On November 11, 2008, 60 Durham youth and 12
adults attended the 2008 Durham Youth Summit.
The event was the fifth overall and the second that
had an emphasis on improving ongoing youth
programs in Durham. The event was held at the
Community Family Life and recreation center at
Lyon Park. Its purpose was to facilitate discussions
about important issues related to youth aged 14-21
and to promote awareness about programs that are
designed to help youth and parents address these
issues and enrich their lives.
The Youth Summit consisted of four breakout
sessions for youth and four for parents. Although the
youth breakout sessions were intended to prevent
gang involvement, the approach of Youth Summit
planners was to address the issue by facilitating
proactive discussions about conflict resolution,
substance abuse, sexuality, and career development.
There was a more concerted effort in 2008 to include
parent workshop topics, such as substance abuse,
mentoring, gang prevention, and youth/parent
relationships.
Brian Dawson, a Durham native and a radio
personality with K97.5 (a local urban radio station)
kicked off the program by talking with the youth
about struggles and life as a teen in Durham. Brian
shared with the attendees the efforts and preparation
needed to be successful in life. Brian also gave great
examples of how popular musical artists have had to
work hard to achieve their goals. Brian told the youth,
with all the tools and technology at their disposal, that
there was no reason they couldn‟t be successful.
There was also a mini-community fair where
several of the Youth Summit sponsors displayed
information to showcase their programs and inform
youth and parents about ways to apply or take
advantage of them.
The following agencies planned, supported and
participated in the Youth Summit:
Durham Workforce Development Board Youth
Council
Durham JobLink Career Center
YO Durham
Durham Youth Employed and Succeeding (YES)
Durham Housing Authority
City of Durham Office on Youth
The P.R.O.U.D Program
Durham Parks and Recreation Dept.
Durham County Health Dept.
Durham Police Dept. Project Safe Neighborhoods Durham TRY
NC Cooperative Extension‟s 4-H Youth Program
El Centro Hispano
ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008
Durham JobLink Career Center Youth Program
Highlights for WIA Youth Program
143 youth participants received services through the Durham Youth Employed and
Succeeding Program
26 youth participants entered employment
14 youth participants received their GED
10 youth participants retained attendance in college
93 youth participants continue to receive services
Durham County Commissioner, Michael Page, talks
with the youth participants.
24
Durham JobLink Career Center Youth Program
Success Story Youth Program
Carl has come a long way since he left the public school system in
2007. Carl became disenchanted with life and soon found himself
involved in the juvenile court system. His court counselor referred him
to the Durham Youth Employed and Succeeding program (YES) with
hope of turning Carl‟s life around. Carl enrolled in the Durham YES
program in April of 2008. His YES Case Manager referred him to the
Achievement Academy of Durham (AAD) for GED instruction. Carl
performed well at the AAD and took four of the five required GED tests
in less than two months.
Carl expressed his interest of employment to his Durham YES Case
Manager, who assisted him with career exploration and work readiness skills. She referred Carl to
the Sales and Service Training Center to improve his customer service skills and employment
outlook. He passed his National Retail Federation certification and was placed into subsidized work
experience at Operation Breakthrough. Between work and school, Carl was able to complete a
certification and his GED. He was later enrolled at Durham Technical Community College in the
Automotive Technology curriculum. Carl used the skills through customer service and work
readiness training to obtain part-time employment at the Durham JobLink Career Center.
Carl, WIA Youth Participant.
Durham Workforce Development Board
100% 100%
25%
75%90%
41.6%
0%
50%
100%
150%
Entered Employment
Retention Credential
2006-2007
2007-2008
59.3%
20.6%
45.3%
63.9% 71.4%60.9%
0.0%
20.0%
40.0%
60.0%
80.0%
Retention Rate Diploma/Equivalent Skill Attainment
2006-2007
2007-2008
WIA Younger Youth (ages 14-18) Breakdown by Performance
2007-2008
WIA Older Youth (ages 19-21) Breakdown by Performance
2007-2008
25
Durham Workforce Development Board Members
DWDB Officers
Denise Motley-Johnston (DWDB Chair) Private Sector Duke University and Health System Barker French (DWDB 1st Vice-Chair) (Youth Council Chair) Community-Based Organization Durham Roundtable Jamie Glass (DWDB 2nd Vice-Chair) Education Agency Durham Technical Community College Marsha Basloe (DWDB Secretary) Community-Based Organization Durham’s Partnership for Children Sharon McCormick (DWDB Treasury) Private Sector Computer Science Corporation
Private Sector Members Robin Miller BlueCross BlueShield of NC Gerald Spence JHI, Inc. Alfred L. Sullivan Inspirus Consulting, Inc. David Mooring CrossComm, Inc. Autrice Campbell Long SunTrust Bank, Inc.
Michael Goodmon Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. John Rodriguez RR Donnelley Janis Clark Measurement Incorporated ShaShawnda L. Carlton IBM Geoffry Luce Marriage & Individual Counselor Lisa Pineiro Technical Services, Inc./RTP Electrical Services, LLC
Community-Based Organization Heidi H. Carter Community Volunteer
Alvis Aikens Renaissance Economic & Revitalization, Inc.
Educational Agency Dr. Carl Harris Durham Public Schools Iheoma U. Iruka, Ph.D. EPG-Child Development Institute at UNC-Chapel Hill Li-An Yeh, Ph.D. North Carolina Central University
Vocational Rehabilitation Jessie Pickett-Williams Vocational Rehabilitation
ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008
26
Durham Workforce Development Board Members cont.
Economic and Development Agency Casey Steinbacher Durham Chamber of Commerce Public Assistance Agency Sammy Haithcock Durham County Department of Social Services
Public Employment Agency Martha Tunstall Employment Security Commission
City Council Liaisons
Farad Ali Councilman Durham City Council
County Commissioners Liaisons
Brenda Howerton Durham County Commissioner Joe W. Bowser Durham County Commissioner
Workforce Development Staff Kevin Dick Executive Director, DWDB Nicholas McCoy Operations Manager Pheon Alston Administrative Coordinator
James Dickens Youth Program Coordinator Sontina Greene Adult Program Coordinator Courtney McCollum Ex-Offender Program Coordinator Darrell Solomon Business Services Manager Tanya Spaulding-Hill Durham JobLink Career Center Manager
Durham Workforce Development Board
27
2008-2009 promises to be even more exciting and productive. How will we accelerate the pace of workforce develop-
ment in Durham County at a time when we need to be more creative than ever to find resources that allow us to de-
liver quality programs to our community stakeholders? The answer lies in the creation and nurture of partnerships
that will compliment and augment what our competent and professional staff can deliver.
We will maximize the JobLink to effectively respond to the workforce needs of the businesses and job
seekers through utilization of the stimulus funds.
We will work with businesses in addressing their economic constraints in hiring personnel through
work experience internships.
We will continue to show the value of JobLink to higher level professional talent and the businesses that
recruit them.
We will continue to prepare our youth to be employable by expanding work experience internships and
by complimenting real-world experience with classroom learning that builds upon academic, occu-
pational and customer services skills.
We will work with community partners such as not-for-profit organizations, the business community
and educational partners to connect disengaged youth and ex-offenders with educational and career
opportunities while we help unemployed and underemployed adults forget disappointments and
build sustainable careers at livable wages in a vibrant 21st Century marketplace.
We will continue to identify training and employment opportunities in the area of green jobs, as shown
in our Brownfields Initiative.
We will continue to work with Durham Technical Community College to ensure job seekers are pre-
pared with 21st century labor market skills through the Career Readiness Certification (CRC).
A Look Ahead….
ANNUAL REPORT 2007-2008