Contact: John E. Holt

(315) 793-6037  

 EANNACE ANNOUNCES InVEST JOB TRAINING PROGRAM COMMUNITY OUTREACH

UTICA -- Inner-city Uticans will have the chance to sign up for training in the region’s demand occupations from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, at St. Paul’s Baptist Church in Utica, Oneida County Executive Ralph J. Eannace, Jr. announced today.

"This is the kind of cooperation and action that will help our inner-city residents get training they need in jobs that can lift whole families to self-sufficiency," Eannace said. "I salute all those who cooperated to help our residents take advantage of the great opportunity that exists through Project InVEST."

Eannace noted that Rev. Maria Scates of the JCTOD Outreach Center and Rev. Johnny M. Wilson of St. Paul’s collaborated with Workforce Investment Board Executive Director John Holt and Oneida County Office of Workforce Development Director David Mathis to set up this outreach effort during a scheduled Block Association meeting.

The Workforce Investment Board earlier this month received $2.89 million in state grants through Project InVEST and is now working to enroll hundreds of area residents in training programs offered by Mohawk Valley Community College, the BOCES Consortium of Continuing Education, the Utica School of Commerce, and Herkimer County Community College.

The programs provide training in high-demand job areas such as Teacher Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, Welder, Machinist, Carpenter, and Computer Network Technician.

The grants are targeted to help increase the incomes of families whose incomes fall at or below 200 percent of the poverty level. Grant money through JOB Start part of InVEST will pay some or all of the costs of training, depending upon the program. InVEST participants may also be eligible for other forms of assistance.

Holt said staffers from the Working Solutions Utica One-Stop will be at St. Paul’s to explain eligibility rules and enroll underemployed and unemployed residents.

Area residents interested in the programs who cannot attend the special outreach enrollment can call the Working Solutions Utica One-Stop Center at 793-2229. InVEST outreach efforts are also being planned for Camden, Waterville and Boonville.

Further information on the Nov. 16 sign-up can be obtained from Rev. Johnny M. Wilson Jr. of St. Paul’s, 735-2396; or Rev. Maria Scates of the JCTOD Outreach Center Inc., 734-9608.