Federal Jobs Program Pays Participants

Applications are being accepted for a federally funded program that pays qualified applicants while they earn GED credits and learn skills that will help them find jobs, officials at a job training center announced.

The Job Training Partnership Act program (JTPA) was designed for economically disadvantaged citizens and places a strong emphasis on enrolling young people between the ages of 16 and 21, said Charlotte Forte-Taylor, case manager at the Pacoima Skills Center.

The program also pays participants who work at jobs in the community as part of their training. The students receive $4.75 per hour and can work up to 100 hours during the length of the course.

“Everybody is welcome to enroll in the Pacoima Skills Center, but if an individual needs assistance because of economic problems then they can enroll in JTPA,” said Forte-Taylor.

JTPA courses last from four to six months and include training in occupations, such as medical and general office work, word processing, maintenance and cable television installation.

Eligible applicants must meet income guidelines, attend school for 30 hours per week and make a commitment to enter the work force at the conclusion of the course, Forte-Taylor said.

“When people come and train in our program they can feel confident that they will receive assistance when they are looking for employment,” she said.

“Employers are desperately seeking trained personnel who can use computers and have acceptable work habits.”

For more information about the Pacoima Skills Center or the JTPA program, call (818) 896-9558 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.