WIA TITLE I
STRATEGIC PLAN MODIFICATION
for
Central Western Maine Local Workforce Investment Board
Local Workforce Investment Area III
July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2009
Accepted and Approved by the Maine Jobs Council
September 28, 2007
Central Western Maine Workforce Investment Board
Serving Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford, and Somerset Counties
Local Area III Central Western Maine WIA Plan July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2009
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Local Area Plan Content
A. Local Board Workforce Investment Priorities ............................................................... 3 B. Local Board Organization............................................................................................. 14 C. Structure/Process for Local Area Communication ...................................................... 19 D. Economic and Labor Market Analysis ......................................................................... 20 E. Overarching Local Area Strategies .............................................................................. 36 F. Local Area Policies ........................................................................................................ 42
G. Service Delivery ............................................................................................................. 50
H. Workforce Information ................................................................................................. 55 I. Adults and Dislocated Workers .................................................................................... 56 J. Services to Specific Populations ..................................................................................... 73 K. Priority of Services ......................................................................................................... 79
L. Rapid Response ............................................................................................................. 82
M. Youth Vision .................................................................................................................. 85
N. Business Services ........................................................................................................... 88
O. Innovative Service Delivery .......................................................................................... 89 P. FBO/CBO Initiatives ..................................................................................................... 89 Q. Performance and Accountability .................................................................................. 90 R. Plan Input and Review Process ..................................................................................... 91 S. Assurances and Signatures ........................................................................................... 92
Attachments*
A.5. Local Area III Business Services Work Plan 07-09 ...................................... 95
B.3. Local Area III Workforce Board Membership List ....................................... 99
D. Local Area III Labor Market Information Charts (All) ................................. 106
E.5. Contract Rider C ........................................................................................... 135
F.5.a. DRAFT of Area III MOU ........................................................................... 137
G.1. Local Area III CareerCenter Services Plan.................................................. 145
G.3. Local Area III Business Services Implementation ....................................... 148
I.3.a. Local Area III Supportive Services ............................................................. 150
I.3.b.i. Local Area III ITA Policies ....................................................................... 151
Q.1. Local Area III Performance Indicators [Negotiation of Indicators in Progress] 157
R.2. Local Area III Public Hearings Comments .................................................. 160
S.1. Local Area III Certification Form ................................................................. 162
* Attachments align with Plan Sections to facilitate reference within the document. For
example, Attachment B.3. does not mean that there is an Attachment B.1. or B.2. rather
that the Attachment is connected to Section B.3.
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Local Area III Central Western Maine WIA Plan July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2009
Local Area Three (Central Western Maine) Workforce Investment Board
Workforce Investment Act Local Plan
July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2007
A. Identify the Local Board‘s key workforce investment priorities for the regional
public workforce system and how each will lead to actualizing the Governor‘s vision
for workforce and economic development. (??111(d)(2) and 112 (a).)
1. Describe how Local Area goals are consistent and aligned with the State goal:
What benchmarks and/or indicators has the Local Workforce Board set?
The following statements of Mission, Vision, and Goals have been adapted by the Board:
Mission
The Central/Western Maine Workforce Investment Board coordinates, develops, and maintains an effective and responsive system of programs and services that integrates the needs of businesses and employers for an ample and productive workforce with the needs of the residents of the five counties for meaningful work enhancing their quality of life.
Vision
We envision a diversified workforce that is adequate in numbers and equipped with a work ethic, foundational academic skills, and specific occupational skills that fit the needs of local employers. We see a diverse and prospective workforce with equal access to educational resources and a diverse job market providing equal opportunity for all workers and prospective workers.
In addition, we see an environment where individuals find success and satisfaction in their careers and in the financial rewards that flow from them. We envision a system that is responsive to workforce needs as they emerge with the power and influence to make change happen. Ultimately, this process grows a strong economy by encouraging established businesses to grow and prospective business to consider Central/Western Maine as a venue for their enterprises.
Goals & Key Areas of Emphasis
Our goals flow from our vision of the economy, the workforce, and the community as we see it developing in the years to come:
1. Build and maintain a diversified and inclusive workforce that is adequate in numbers to
meet the emerging needs of current and prospective businesses and employers; 2. Develop and maintain a workforce that is equipped with basic work-ready skills,
foundational academic skills, and specific occupational skills that fit the stated and
emerging needs of local employers;
3. Assure equal access of all Central/Western residents to education and employment;
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Local Area III Central Western Maine WIA Plan July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2009
4. Assist all Central/Western residents in finding success and satisfaction in their work life; 5. Develop and maintain an effective and efficient workforce training system that uses the
collaborative efforts of the Local Workforce Investment Board, the CareerCenter system,
the Local Managers‘ Team, CareerCenter Staff, and strong partnerships with business
development and training organizations to attract new public and private partners, build
diversified alliances, and coordinate resources.
In Area III Maine, our emphasis continues to be on three initiatives:
1. Employer-endorsed Work-Ready Credential? programs across sectors;
2. Business as a primary customer in workforce development; and,
3. A Sector-specific approach to the use of training funds, assuming the conceptual and
financial investment such an approach takes on from the private sector.
Since its inception in 2000, the Board‘s emphasis on universal services, services to business and employers, and sector-specific approaches to training has been clear. In developing Local Area policies, procedures, and service applications, the Board has consistently affirmed its emphasis on making services available to the fullest extent of its funding to promote graduated/progressive training opportunities for all of Maine‘s people, especially low-income, unemployed, entry-level and incumbent workers to enable economic progress. We have consistently endorsed, supported, and helped to finance training at all levels, from ESOL programs, basic literacy development, Work-
Ready,? and Next Step Training projects, sector-specific, industry-sponsored
certification programs, and the pursuit of technical training in colleges and universities. During 2005-2007, we began to develop (by separate contract) benchmarks for placements in both high demand and key, identified sectors, by using the NACIS coding system within the One Stop Operator System [OSOS] with some success. Much of our work in 2007-2008 will help us to establish a baseline for 2008-2009, and we will participate in developing report formats within the OSOS system in Maine to enable this process.
2. What are the Local Workforce Board‘s strategies for working collaboratively
with local and regional economic development efforts for attracting, retaining
and growing business and industry within the State? (?112(a) and (b)(4)(A-C).)
Describe the Local Workforce Board‘s role in relationship to the North Star
Alliance (WIRED initiative) to help to transform the state‘s workforce and
economic development system through the regional economy that supports
innovation and job creation in the boat building, composites material
manufacturing and marine-related industries.
The LWIB has been an active participant in the implementation of the North Star Alliance Initiative [NSAI], not only in Area III but also in partnership with ongoing NSAI work in the other three Areas in Maine. Like the other Local Boards, Area III supports and works closely with its Workforce Pillar Liaison [Darren Winham] to explore applications of the three targeted sectors in the NSAI [Boat-Building, Marine
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Local Area III Central Western Maine WIA Plan July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2009
Trades, Composites] not only in Area III but in partnership with the other three Pillar Liaisons working within the NSAI. Emphasis to date has focused on research focused on the key sectors and their needs/products, development of business relationships with industry partners, surveying the needs of specific businesses with the sector (using a ―Business Visitation Program‖ [BVP] format, setting up business participation and enrollment in key training programs financed by the NSAI grant, developing reporting procedures consistent with the NSAI organization, and conducting information and training sessions with CareerCenter Business Assistance Staff and Managers. Area III‘s Pillar Liaison‘s experience working as a Staff member with the Department of Economic and Community Development [DECD] has nicely complemented the background and experience of the other three Liaisons; therefore, emphasis has become more ―state‖ than ―local area‖ oriented.
Local Area III will continue to develop active, effective partnerships with local, county, and state economic development organizations in our service area. CareerCenters in Area III work with Business Assistance teams, Adult Education providers and Community Colleges
to maximize response to training needs of businesses, hiring needs of new businesses, and retention of current workforce. Business Assistance Teams work closely with local
Chambers and key business leaders to build relationships with community stakeholders. Many business services staff members have also completed the Maine Economic Professional Development Certification Program, the Career and Workforce Development Certification Course, and the Workforce Development Consultation Course. Whenever
appropriate these business service activities are coordinated with NSAI work with sector-specific Area businesses.
Work within the Workforce Pillar of the NSAI has also been facilitated by Area III‘s Business Assistance Coordinator. During 06-07, the Board authorized the use of LWIB funds to hire and support a Business Services (BA) Coordinator from the private sector to help CareerCenter Business Assistance Teams to develop a more focused approach to developing on-going, locally-focused relation-building services with local businesses, business organizations, and both local and regional economic development entities. The BA Coordinator has worked with staff to develop industry-centered, ―business-to-
business‖ approaches to workforce development initiatives co-sponsored by
collaboration between private business, community organizations, and economic development organizations; some of this work has complemented the NSAI in Area III. For 2007-2009, the Board has authorized increased responsibilities for the BA Coordinator position, renaming the position as the LWIB Director of Business Services with corresponding changes in job description for the position.
In addition to work with the Coastal NSAI project, exploration of the WIRED [Workplace Innovation in Regional Economic Development] model as a workforce development paradigm in 2007-2009 will be central to the Board‘s emphasis. The
Board will continue to support industry-specific projects by beginning implementation of the WIRED model in its designated Business Assistance Teams with the following membership:
; Key private sector industry leaders
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Local Area III Central Western Maine WIA Plan July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2009
; The LWIB Director of Business Services
; A representative from the Department of Economic & Community Development
; Representatives from technical education, post-secondary and/or professional
education
; Invited guests
; The Executive Director.
Local Area III‘s Business Assistance Staff continues to leverage resources available at the
local and state level. Workforce investment is ongoing through continuous promotion of the Maine Governor‘s Training Initiative (GTI) program, the Maine Apprenticeship program
(MAP), the Pre-Apprentice program, the Trade Adjustment and Assistance (TAA) program, and the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). Collaborative partnerships with Maine Quality Centers, Community Colleges, Technical Centers, and Adult Education Providers are a ―way
of life‖ for the CareerCenters in Local Area III. Two Central/Western CareerCenters
have been co-located with economic development organizations or community colleges (South Paris and Rumford), and another (Augusta) is preparing for co-location in 07-08. In addition, Area III seeks out grant monies for targeted populations. Wagner Peyser staff and business services staff regularly discuss job listing opportunities and job development or On-the-Job Training (OJT) opportunities with job seekers and businesses.
3. Given that a skilled workforce is a key to the economic success of every business,
what is the Local Board‘s vision for maximizing and leveraging the array of
(?112(a) and (b)(4)(A-C).) resources available for workforce investment?
The Local Board in Area III has established and will work on sustaining and developing existing collaboration among business and industry, economic development entities on the local and regional level, education and training resources, and other CareerCenter partners to identify and address workforce development challenges. A number of initiatives are
already in place; the six given below are targeted for growth and will be integral to the Board‘s work in 2007-2009.
1. The Work-Ready,? Credential
; This work-readiness program is currently being piloted in both Coastal and
Central/Western Maine. It focuses on employer/business support and endorsement
for developing ―soft skills‖ crucial to progressive employment at all levels. Each
WorkReady? site establishes an Employer Advisory Group composed of key
businesses in the community. The Credential is awarded to participants who
qualify for entry [using the CASAS instrument] and who complete work in seven
Standards established by a curriculum developed by Maine Department of
Education, Adult Education. The LWIBs, the Maine Department of Education, the
Department of Labor, the Department of Corrections (and others) have as a
Steering Committee developed an MOU regulating the Certification statewide and
have registered the WorkReady with Maine‘s Attorney General. To date, the
Work-Ready,? has received funding from both private businesses and community
organizations ( Coastal Enterprises, Inc.[CEI], WalMart Stores, the United Way of
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Local Area III Central Western Maine WIA Plan July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2009
Androscoggin County, TD Bankorth, Northeast Bank, the Building Bridges
Program, for examples) and has the support of a number of Chambers, Rotary
Chapters, and local economic development staff [DECD, AVCOG, Somerset County
Economic Development, for examples]. Major support has also come from Coastal
Enterprises, Inc [CEI] in implementation of the JOLI Grant (See Below.) The goal
is to work toward more than 50% private funding by 2009.
2. Partnership with Coastal Enterprises, Inc [CEI] in implementation of the US DHHS OCS and JOLI [Job Opportunities for Low-Income Individuals] grant within the counties of Central/Western Maine.
; Goals of the JOLI grant are Economic Self-sufficiency, Career Exploration,
WorkReady? Skills Training, Next Step Training, and Financial Literacy Training
for all participants. The Work-Ready? Credential has been incorporated into the
JOLI and has become the foundation of a Next Step Training offered through the
appropriate local community college focused on basic entry-level jobs in targeted
sectors, such as Office Clerical Fundamentals, Manufacturing Technology,
Construction & Related Trades, and Allied Health Care Occupations. Next Step
Training focuses on the collaboration between education/training organizations and
regional businesses and staffing partners. Next Step Training is designed to ensure
that participants develop skills that meet business needs. Our goal is to establish at
least one Next Step Training in each of the Area‘s five counties by 2009.
3. Extend Business Services emphasis in Area Three‘s CareerCenters
; As funding allows, the Board proposes to continue support of its Director of
Business Services to sponsor/facilitate efforts aimed at integrating demand
side/business clients into the workforce development system. Projected emphasis
focuses on (a) continuing work to help Business Services Teams in the
CareerCenters understand the crucial nature of developing industry-lead, on-going
business relationships with business customers, in addition to the more traditional
―transactional‖ services such as ―job listings,‖ business application for specific,
established DOL programs such as Apprenticeship, OJT, and (b) intensified,
consistent presence of the workforce development system within the private sector
for marketing, public relations, job development, and the like.
Although it relates closely to program development and staff training, this LWIB
Staff member will be compensated from the Board‘s Administration funds.
4. Develop Business & Industry Sector Concept in Workforce Development Services,
support and advocate for a targeted sector approach to organizing and delivering
workforce development services to both businesses and workers/employees, and
showcase ―products‖ [such as the RetentionWorks! product developed from
Administrative funds for small businesses (see description below)], for effective
program services.
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Local Area III Central Western Maine WIA Plan July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2009
; To work with major program partners to continue development of products [such as
career development assessments, guides, reviews of available training and education
programs, ―quick guides‖/‖scripts,‖ PowerPoint presentation and visuals, pamphlets] to
focus, guide, and direct employees and people seeking new employment in choosing,
training for, and sustaining career/job advancement. This work is done largely through
the Area III Regional Managers‘ Team and the CareerCenter Business Assistance
Teams
5. Business Services Work Plans
; In addition, the Local Board works closely with the Maine DOL/BES to implement
Business Services through the CareerCenter system by developing with the Regional
Managers a Work Plan to assure integrated services to employers and businesses. The
Work Plan focuses on the integration of several programs focusing on business/employer
services.
Area III‘s Business Assistance Workplan for PY 07-09 is available electronically upon
request. Documentation of current Sponsor Review Reports, inactive Sponsor Review
Reports and related instruction reimbursements for the Maine Apprenticeship Program
[MAP] as well as other documents referred to in the report are available upon request to
the Director. (See also Attachment A.5. for 07-09 Work Plan Format.)
6. Support for Local Economic Development Organizations
The Local Board actively supports work (with both in-kind contributions and funding from Administrative Funds) developed by key locally-driven partnerships focusing on collaboration and program development for specific local projects. In Somerset County, the Somerset Workforce Development Team [SWDT] has been established by the Somerset County Economic Development Corporation to develop initiatives unique to Somerset County. Currently, the SWDT is developing a Work-Ready.? In Franklin County, the
Franklin County Business & Education Task Force [BETF] also offered a successful Work-
Ready.? program in April/May, 2007 (in collaboration with CEI‘s JOLI Program) and
continues to focus on establishing Central Maine Community College courses and student services in Franklin County.
As a matter of course as Administrative Funds will allow, the Board sponsors and pays for
CareerCenter participation it at least one major Chamber exhibition, Job/Resource Fair, or community event for each CareerCenter in every County of Area III. Lunch and ―refreshments‖ are provided for all employers participating in all CareerCenter Job Fairs
area-wide.
4. What is the vision for the Local Board to ensure a continuum of education and
training opportunities that support a skilled workforce? (?112(b)(10).)
1. The Local Board has taken action on a number of initiatives to assure the continuum of education and training opportunities appropriate for Area III and the Business and Industry Sectors identified as keys to economic development by Labor Market Information Services
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Local Area III Central Western Maine WIA Plan July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2009
At its March 2005 Quarterly Meeting, the Board took action to establish a two-tiered Work-Ready Certification program currently in progress with collaboration among Adult Education and industry-specific sector partners. The Program Model is as follows:
Models endorsed by businesses/employers normally incorporate two components
Step One: Work-Ready,? Credential. (See A. 3. 1. page 6 above.)
Next Step Training. A business/employer endorsed program providing industry-Step Two:
specific experiential on site and/or classroom training as appropriate to the industry/business sector. Next Step Training is offered through the appropriate local community college, approved trade association or certificate program and is focused on basic entry-level jobs in targeted sectors, such as Office Clerical Fundamentals, Manufacturing Technology, Construction & Related Trades, and Allied Health Care Occupations. Next
Step Training focuses on the collaboration between education/training organizations and regional businesses and staffing partners. Next Step Training is designed to ensure that
participants develop skills that meet business needs in specific sectors.
The LWIB will consider priority of discretionary funding based on both its contracts with
service providers and proposals presented; it will also exercise options for continued funding based on performance.
Step Three: Models focusing on the Sectors below will be given priority for funding initiatives in Area III. However, the LWIB will continue to be flexible, considering the needs of specific sectors and businesses important to the economic development of specific counties in Area III.
With the understanding that NSAI funds will support training options in sectors designated by that WIRED initiative, designated business and industry sectors in Area III are as follows:
First Priority (Established sectors)
; Health Care Services
; Information Technology
; Mature & Dominant Manufacturing [Wood & Paper Products and Logging in Area III]
First Priority (New sectors)
; Construction & Construction-Related Trades
; Service Sector
; Hospitality Services
; Environmental & Tourism
; Key sectors in local areas for job placement/retention and businesses important to the
local economy (Logging, for example, in Somerset and Franklin Counties)
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Local Area III Central Western Maine WIA Plan July 1, 2007 – June 30, 2009
Second Priority (Emerging sectors)
; Creative Economy & Related Trades
Service Providers are encouraged to research existing models and to consult with the Executive Director in developing models for presentations.
The Board‘s objective for Step Three is to target the development of sector-specific, training
programs using community colleges, the Maine Apprenticeship Model, an ―On-the-Job‖
training model in cooperation with both business leaders/managers/owners, and key training programs. Quarterly Reports generated by Tom Fernands (TDC) using the ad hoc Report Format available through the OSOS program measure Area III separations by sector and and are available through the Quarterly Report of the Business Assistance Teams, available on request.
2. Implementation of a Customer Skills Development Model
The Local Board insists that services to registrants will include a personal skill development model indicating a planned progression for on-the-job advancement assured by post-placement/retention services and/or a plan to upgrade to an appropriate sector providing opportunities for advancement. Wages one-year post-placement need to show an increase of at least 2% (from the hiring wage).
3. Development of Retention Services for Businesses: RetentionWorks!
The Local Board has dedicated Administrative funds to work with both Western Maine Community Action (WMCA) and Central Maine Community College (CMCC) to develop a product for small businesses called RetentionWorks! RetentionWorks! promotes retention
strategies for business/employer use. While current Retention presentations and workshops in PowerPoint format provide some information for businesses and employers, a more extensive approach is targeted for development. Service partners and CMCC have developed this Business Services model product; training has been contracted and delivered for its use by CareerCenter staff, and CDs are available for business use.
4. Demand-Side Sector-Specific Orientation
Using Labor Market Information, economic development indicators, and collaboration among the LWIB, economic development entities, and the CareerCenter system, the Local Board identifies business/employment sectors crucial to economic growth in all or part of Area III, focuses on key business sectors, and develops key focus areas for recruitment, training, and retention. During 2007-2008, the Board will expect the numbers of
placements in key identified sectors to continue to increase. A base figure for this will be determined during the PY 2007-08 program year. It is expected that incentives for performance to achieve increases as projected will be allocated by Maine DOL (and perhaps by the LWIB, depending on Administrative funding) in 2008-2009. Development of specific benchmarks will be established in OSOS for 07-08, 08-09.
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