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 An Overview
WorkPaths is a workforce
development strategy operating as a program
of Central Dallas Ministries (CDM)
focused
on pre-employment training and education to
equip our neighbors with the necessary skills
needed to enter the workforce or if they desire,
continue with additional training and/or
education.
Program
Description
The WorkPaths program seeks
to position itself as a jobs driven, labor
market intermediary providing employers with a
workforce ready to hold living wage jobs (jobs
which pay between $9-$15) that also offer a
long-term career and benefits. WorkPaths
accomplishes this goal by providing intense life
skills, and hard skills training paired with a
working "life plan" that prepares participants
for employment in high demand jobs in the
construction industry and general office
environment. The program also prepares
participants for further education and training
to assist them in reaching their goals. Training
is provided through collaborative and
contractual arrangements with academic and
proprietary institutions as well as other
programs developed by CDM.
 Soft
Skills/Life Skills training are designed to
ensure the success of individuals as they enter
into the workforce and include:
Professional Studies:
Presented in a context that teaches practical approaches in math and writing
related to the workplace. Additionally, the
training incorporates computer literacy, exercises in mechanical
reasoning, purchasing and other tasks found in
basic applications.
Career Guidance: appearance
and image, goal setting, communications
skills with coworkers and supervisors,
networking and marketing, team building
exercises as well as development of an
individualized "work/life plan" are taught as
well as assistance with resume writing and
interviewing skills that continues through the
job search process.
Personal Development:
Training in
financial literacy, fitness and nutrition,
family dynamics, getting along with others,
problem solving skills, stress
management, giving and receiving criticism all
work together to give participants a more
complete "tool kit" to utilize in getting and
keeping employment, pursuing educational and
training pursuits and to their overall quality
of life.
Hard Skills training will be
provided in areas appropriate to the interests
of participants:
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Core construction skills
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First Aid/CPR/AED
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HAZWOPER 40;
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mold, lead and asbestos
training
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OSHA 10
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OSHA 30
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Computer Literacy, including
Microsoft applications and Internet
WorkPaths focuses on educating and training
participants to be successful no matter what
their chosen field. It's not just about finding
a "job" but it's about improving all aspects of
a person's life and the skills learned through
WorkPaths programs will open new doors and equip
our neighbors to soar.
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OAI Component |
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The
Brownfield Minority Worker Training
is conducted in partnership with
OAI, Inc.,
This
training is a federally funded program
designed to prepare workers for careers
within the environmental remediation and
construction industries. It consists of a
formal 12-week program in basic construction
skills and environmental remediation. The
program includes health and safety
certifications, introductory skills in
carpentry, welding, plumbing and electrical,
utilizing hands-on skills along with
instructions in proper use of hand and
power tools. Basic blueprint reading
is covered along with a through overview of
the construction industry and the varied
careers available in construction.
Mentoring, life skills, professional
studies, along with job placement assistance
are also included in this training program.
There are limited slots
available for
this training. Candidates must go
through an application and selection process
designed to help WorkPaths and referring
agencies to determine which candidates are
qualified based on their temperament,
interests and determination. This
program is
conducted by
WorkPaths in conjunction with the
Construction Education Foundation and North
Lake College.
The program is offered yearly. Even
though the formalized portion of the
training is 12 weeks, there is involvement
with candidates prior to selection and
extensive involvement with the graduates
following the classroom portion to assist in
career guidance and placement.
Click
here to download the Brownfields &
Minority Worker Training PowerPoint. |
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DOWNLOAD POWERPOINT
(2.5 MB
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Central Dallas
Ministries Support Services
WorkPaths also provides
participants with access to relevant programs
within the broader network of Central Dallas
Ministries programs, which can help aid and
sustain throughout their training. CDM’s food
pantry and resource center, Community Health
Services (including dental, pharmaceutical
and pediatric services) and law offices are
available to all trainees and their families.
These programs offer basic infrastructural
support for trainees providing them with
essential support during the period of their
training.
Employment
Opportunities
WorkPaths is not a placement agency;
however, the WorkPaths staff works extensively
with program participants in their job search
efforts. Established
relationships with local
businesses provide an open door for
WorkPaths' participants into their offices,
enabling them an advantage in applying for jobs
in the area. Their training and their newly
acquired skills will enable them to walk through
those doors with confidence. The WorkPaths staff
works side by side with program participants
through the career selection, job search and
interview process. The staff is also available
to employers for assistance
WorkPaths is quickly gaining a reputation
as the “go to”
program for quality workforce training.
With its holistic approach and its focus on the
people rather than the programs, WorkPaths
offers a more complete picture of hope. It
isn't about a "job" -- it's about a life.
For more information, contact
Andrea Bills, Director of WorkPaths, at 214.823.4409 or
ABills@CentralDallasMinistries.org.
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