TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute all necessary agreements, and all subsequent amendments changing the amount or term of the contract, with the Federal Highways Administration and/or the California Department of Transportation for grant funding in the amount of $447,000 to provide training and placement services in construction and other building trades during the period of March 18, 2008 through March 17, 2009; and execute the Second Amendment to Contract No. 29919 with California State University Long Beach Foundation, adding $81,000 in funds; and authorize an increase in appropriations in the Community Development Grant Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Community Development (CD) by $108,000. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On October 18, 2005, the City Council approved the acceptance of a grant from the Federal Highways Administration via the State Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in the amount of $388,300 to provide construction trades training to residents through November 2007. At invitation by the Federal Highways Administration, the Workforce Investment Network submitted a proposal designed to build upon the success established through that initial project. The Network has been awarded the only continuation grant awarded in California, at an initial amount of $447,000.
This construction trades training program was developed to meet the construction industry's need for skilled workers and provide low-income residents a range of rewarding career options in construction. The funding will support community needs through the provision of intensive work/life skills training, basic skills tutoring, industry certifications and assistance in preparing to enter union apprenticeships. Based on feedback from union apprenticeship programs and related employers, the curriculum has been modified toward a greater emphasis on candidates' work readiness.
Through the initial grant, 145 low-income residents were trained, with 85% placed in high-gro...
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