Successes
Workforce Connections Inc. Receives DOL Award
On July 19, 2007 Workforce Connections, Inc. received the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administrations’ Recognition of Excellence 2007 Award. This award, given annually, “recognizes state and local programs, projects, and initiatives that demonstrate innovation, collaboration, quality performance, linkages to business, education, and community needs.”
Participation in the program is 90%. This program has been highly successful in reducing youth recidivism, as the program average stands at 9.7%. The percentage of participants who had received their high school diploma or their GED/HSED is 61.63%. Compared to the national averages of 30% for recidivism and 50% for GED/HSED attainment goal, X-Treme Opportunity has far exceeded all expectations. The success of the program has also led to a one year job retention rate of 29%.
Congratulations to Workforce Connections and the X-Treme Opportunity team!
Kurt Kast Success Story
Without any work, transportation, place to call home, or high school diploma nineteen year old Kurt was engaging in a few brushes with local law enforcement. A friend had told Kurt about the X-Treme Opportunity program. Kurt’s interest sparked a meeting with case worker Sharon Bliss, and he was enrolled in the X-Treme Opportunity program administered by Workforce Connections, Inc. in September of 2006.
The employment coordinator assisted Kurt with registering on JobNet, career advising and assessments, financial lliteracy, job search assistance and placement, labor market information, career development consisting of workshops and intensive case management, individual employment plan development and SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timebound) goal development. With the employment coordinator’s assistance, Kurt gained employment and worked a little here and there, taking odd jobs and seasonal work. However, with his brushes with the law, living in a small town, and not having completed high school, Kurt found it was getting harder and harder to find permanent and full-time employment.
Then, in December of 2006, Kurt went to his sentencing court date. As a result of his trouble with the law, Kurt lost his driver’s license, was placed on probation for two years, and had to serve 20 hours community service. This made his job search even more difficult. So, the cycle of odd jobs and seasonal work went on until March of 2007. Kurt made the decision to begin taking the HSED exams, as his instructors were confident that he was ready. On May 14, 2007, he obtained his HSED. This is when the X-Treme Opportunity Program Manager gave him information about the welding training being offered by Workforce Connections, Inc. and Western Technical College. Kurt immediately expressed his interest and, with the permission and support of his probation agent, he enrolled in the training. With 100% attendance and participation, Kurt graduated from the welding class on June 29, 2007 and received his certificate of training.
Because of his success in the X-Treme Opportunity program, Kurt was invited to speak at the Workforce Innovations Conference on July 18, 2007 in honor of Workforce Connections, Inc. receiving the Department of Labor’s Recognition of Excellence Award.
Denece Udelhoven and Kurt Kast accepting the Recognition of Excellence Award
Congratulations Kurt and Congratulations to Workforce Connections, Inc.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon requst to individuals with disabilities.
Any potential information that is sent to Workforce Connections, Inc. through its website will remain confidential.
402 N. 8th Street • La Crosse, WI 54601 • 608-789-5620 • 800-742-JOBS • TTY 800-947-3529 workforceconnections@workforceconnections.org
Any potential information that is sent to Workforce Connections, Inc. through its website will remain confidential.
402 N. 8th Street • La Crosse, WI 54601 • 608-789-5620 • 800-742-JOBS • TTY 800-947-3529 workforceconnections@workforceconnections.org