Occupational Training to Offered to DeKalb County Residents

Originally posted by Péralte Paul

The DeKalb Workforce Development is offering occupational training for those who need help to beef up their skills and make themselves more marketable.

The training is funded by a Title I grant via the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.

To qualify for occupational training, individuals must meet eligibility requirements for their field of study, so approval for the training is not guaranteed. The field of study must be an in-demand occupation and on the DeKalb Workforce Development’s Demand Occupation List of approved programs of study on the Eligible Provider List.

A career adviser may suggest classes, such as résumé writing, interviewing, job search techniques, financial literacy and basic math. Reading refresher courses or other job readiness services, also may be advised by the career counselor to determine if training is needed in order for an individual to find suitable employment in his or her field.

The process for applying for occupational training may take up to 10 business days. If the application is incomplete, it will delay the submission process.

Individuals seeking additional information about occupational training should take the following steps:

1. Attend mandatory orientation to learn about the application process. Orientation is held at 9 a.m. beginning Wednesday Jan. 8, 2014 and will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, except for county observed holidays.
2. Take The Adult Basic Education test to determine math and reading levels as required for the school identified by the applicant. The test is administered immediately following the 9 a.m. orientation on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Everyone is required to take the TABE test. Without TABE scores an individual’s training request will be denied.
3. Upon completion of required documentation, please call 404.687.3400 and sign-up for the next available group occupational training application submission or what is referred to as an “Intake Session.” Intake Sessions are held every other Tuesday at 10 a.m. excluding County observed holidays. During the Intake Session, the occupational training application will be reviewed to determine if it is ready for submission. If the application is incomplete or missing supporting documentation it will not be accepted.
4. Determining eligibility for occupational training will occur after the application has been submitted. A career adviser may contact an applicant for additional supporting documentation or to inquire about information provided on the application. The career adviser will submit the application for approval or return the file to the applicant if the applicant does not meet the eligibility requirements.
5. Once the occupational training application has been approved, the career adviser will contact the applicant to set an appointment to discuss the applicant’s responsibilities while in training and sign additional documentation.

If there are questions about the occupational training application process or how to fill out the application, interested parties are encouraged to attend orientation. All questions and concerns will be addressed at that time. Due to limited parking, please arrive 15-20 minutes early and, if possible, please consider using MARTA as the Decatur and Avondale MARTA stations are in close proximity.