WorkPaths
The Problem:
The unemployment rate in Texas is currently 8.2% but for those with long employment gaps due to legal issues, lack of education and other difficult life circumstances the unemployment rate is between 25% and 40%. In today’s economy the job market is more competitive than ever before, how can these individuals find stable employment offering a living-wage, benefits and a career path?
Our Unique Response:
CitySquare’s WorkPaths department equips low-income adults with hard and soft skills through intensive pre-employment training programs designed to increase functional skill levels—enhancing employability and/or enabling participants to continue with additional training or education toward a living-wage job offering a career path and benefits. WorkPaths offers two training paths:
- Build4Success – 12-week program in commercial construction and environmental remediation made possible by partnership with OAI, Inc. Build4Success includes fundamentals in electrical, plumbing, welding, blueprint reading, and basic carpentry, as well as “workplace” life/soft skills such as positive communication in the workplace and how to be a great employee. OSHA 30, HAZWOWPER 40, Lead, Mold, Asbestos Worker Training and First Aid/CPR/AED are also part of coursework.
- Path2Success, a 10-week computer and business fundamentals program, is designed to equip participants with computer competencies in Microsoft Office's Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and Explorer. The training is made possible in part by a grant from Microsoft and in partnership with Bill J. Priest/El Centro College.
After graduation, WorkPaths’ staff members continue to work with program graduates to resolve outstanding "life" issues hindering individuals from getting and keeping a good job. WorkPaths’ staff interfaces with employers of program graduates to monitor their progress and works with the employer to address any issues that may arise. Post graduate training continues through CareerPaths, a post-graduate program employing job matching, until successful employment is achieved in order to continue to strengthen employability skills.
Our Biggest Challenge:
Fighting through “peripheral issues” that hinder employability such as: no driver’s license, no reliable transportation (a car) or auto insurance; surcharges, outstanding legal issues, unstable housing, unresolved socio-economic problems and more.
Our Effectiveness:
Over 75% of graduates obtain employment or continue with further training leading to employment. WorkPaths is very proud of this number, but boasting in employment numbers is not our ultimate goal—changing lives is. Ultimately, it’s not about a job, it's about a life. To hear from an individual whose life was changed by his participation in WorkPaths, click here
Participants in WorkPaths programs learn to maintain stable, long-term employment and continue to move up the career ladder -- enabling them to build strong, financially-secure futures for themselves and their families.
To donate to CitySquare’s WorkPaths programming, click here
