NEWS RELEASE: New Video Shows Impact of BOLI-ODOT Workforce Program

[Estabrook Bob]

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Commissioner Brad Avakian
Bureau of Labor & Industries


Press Release
For Immediate Distribution
October 24, 2012
CONTACT: Bob Estabrook, 503-709-0730

New Video Shows Impact of BOLI-ODOT Workforce Program
Online video highlights stories of apprentices who received direct support

PORTLAND - The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) and Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) are seeing real results from the BOLI-ODOT Heavy Highway Workforce Development Program, a partnership aimed at growing and diversifying Oregon's highway construction workforce in coming years.  The program funds supportive services contracts to community providers that promote recruitment and retention of apprentices, especially women and people of color who are not traditionally directed toward construction career pathways that can lead to high-skill, living-wage jobs.

The Program provides services on a continuum of workforce needs from career exploration in North Wasco County to pre-apprenticeship training in the Rogue Valley, from evaluation and guidance to direct assistance for current apprentices. Direct assistance includes:

*         transportation assistance to get to work and classes,

*         subsidies for child care, and

*         job readiness funds for work tools, work clothes, and personal protective equipment.

"Promoting these living wage careers is a win-win for Oregon," said State Labor Commissioner Brad Avakian, chief of BOLI.  "Highly skilled workers can get the wages and benefits that support a family and allow the purchase of local goods and services, and Oregon employers will have the skilled workforce they need to expand our economy."

"We want our workforce development programs to provide long-term, sustainable careers rather than one-time jobs," said ODOT Director Matthew Garrett. "We're accomplishing this through our collaboration with the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries."

View the video at www.youtube.com/user/OregonBOLI<http://www.youtube.com/user/OregonBOLI> and visit www.oregon.gov/BOLI<http://www.oregon.gov/BOLI> for more information about all of BOLI's work to support Oregon workers, local employers and a stronger economy.

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The mission of the Bureau of Labor and Industries is to protect employment rights, advance employment opportunities, and protect access to housing and public accommodations free from discrimination.


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