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DISLOCATED WORKERS

The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) employment and training program is a federally funded program. It is a unique employment and training program designed to serve the needs of various individuals. The main objective of the WIA is to provide employment and training services to individuals, who are economically disadvantaged, displaced and/or dislocated (unemployed) to ensure long-term employability. Although the program services are free to those eligible individuals, the program is not an entitlement program.

Workforce Solutions Alamo administers the WIA program. The eligibility requirement and available services under the program are divided in different segments and should not be compared.

The Adult Program is designed to provide services to adults (22 years of age or older) who are economically disadvantaged. The Youth Program provides employment and training services to youth (ages 14-21) who are in school or out-of-school. The Dislocated Worker Program is designed to provide services to unemployed individuals.

The Rapid Response Program is a prelude to the regular Dislocated Worker Program. This program provides transitional services that are designed to assist you in the early stages of layoff. These services are offered in recognition that dislocated workers have various levels of need. Some workers only require minimal assistance to successfully return to the workforce, while others may need more.

Activities under Rapid Response acknowledge the importance of early intervention and are designed to address the most commonly recognized needs of dislocated workers. The services provided through Rapid Response are designed to help make the period of unemployment as manageable as possible.

Workers have the option of enrolling in the regular Dislocated Program, if after participating in services under Rapid Response were not sufficient to accomplish re-employment. However, there are local, state and federal policies that Workforce Solutions Alamo service providers must follow when providing services. You may find out more about the program by attending a regular program orientation at one of the Workforce Solutions Alamo Career Centers.

RAPID RESPONSE WORKSHOPS INCLUDE:

HOW TO APPLY FOR UI—Employees learn how to apply and maintain eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits.

STRESS MANAGEMENT – Learn to identify stress in yourself and those around you. Learn to relax and manage your stress to make it work for you instead of against you.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT – Budgeting and other financial information is addressed to provide suggested actions in planning your future. Information will be provided to assist with the management of mortgage, rent, utilities and credit and/or debts.

JOB SEARCH – During this seminar, participants will be provided the skills and methods needed to conduct their own job search, which takes a look at labor market information. Participants will be shown job search tools currently considered by “the experts” as the most successful. Following the suggested procedures will give you an organized, structured process that will help you optimize your time and effort and focus on your job search.

INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES/APPLICATIONS – This seminar provides an understanding of the interview process. You will be introduced to the various types of interviews and their purposes. You will learn important interviewing techniques and strategies to help in the preparation for a successful interview.

RESUME WRITING – Participants are assisted in uncovering the specific resume style that will most benefit their employment goals. All parts of a resume are explained in detail. Tips for customizing and revising resumes are also offered. Every participant will have the opportunity to develop a resume during the class.

For more information about Dislocated Worker Programs, visit the Texas Workforce Commission website at: http://www.twc.state.tx.us/svcs/jtpa/dislocat.html