New Atlanta Workforce Board Seeks to Revitalize Job Training In the Region

New Atlanta

Workforce Board Seeks to Revitalize Job Training In the Region

An adequate

and well-trained work force is an ever-increasing concern to the expansion

of any regional economy.

The newly

created Atlanta Regional Workforce Board, and its administrative agent,

ARC's award winning Workforce Development division, work to provide

employment and training services for new work force entrants, as well

as retraining for growth occupations and technology employment in the

Atlanta area. In addition, as the nation focuses on welfare reform,

the board is focused on providing work opportunities for those leaving

the welfare rolls.

The Atlanta

Regional Workforce Board was created following the dissolution of the

nine-county Metropolitan Atlanta Private Industry Council in June 2000.

The board represents seven counties including Fulton

Among the

planning initiatives are:

- Working

with partner agencies and businesses to implement workforce systems

within the region. "One-stop" career resource centers will

serve as clearing houses for rapid response to plant closings and layoffs,

welfare to work assistance, professional career assessment, job preparedness

and life skills coaching, skills training for employment, assistance

with obtaining quality jobs with benefits and business services such

as credential testing.

- Focusing

on addressing skills shortages in information technology and assisting

in the development of a more highly skilled local workforce for high

tech jobs. ARC, along with regional business partners, is the recipient

of a U.S. Department of Labor grant of $750,000 to accomplish this

- Taking

the lead in developing a State Individual Training Account System. An

ITA is a voucher given to customers who need skills training to become

gainfully employed or re-employed. In addition, ARC has spearheaded

a collaboration with other metro area work force boards to qualify and

certify training providers.

- Developing

comprehensive youth systems through a separate youth council composed

of members of the work force board with special interest or expertise

in youth policy as well as representatives of youth service agencies,

local public housing authorities, parents of eligible youth seeking

assistance under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act, individuals

that have experience relating to youth activities and the Job Corps.

"The

Workforce Investment Act of 1998 provides the framework for a national

work force preparation and employment system designed, most importantly,

to meet both the needs of businesses and job-seekers, as well as those

who want to further their careers," said Debbie Smith, chairman

of the Atlanta Regional Workforce Board and human resources manager

at Maxell Corporation of America. "With the commitment of our board

members, elected officials and a highly competent ARC staff, the Atlanta

Regional Workforce Board has moved forward with the task of developing

and serving a world-class work force."