Newport News Launches Workforce Assistance Program For Those Unemployed Due To Coronavirus

Newport News VA

30 September, 2020

6:56 PM

Description

From the City of Newport News: September 30, 2020 As the nation and world continue to fight the coronavirus, unemployment remains a critical concern. To address this problem head-on and help residents get back to work, the City of Newport News has launched the CARES Workforce Assistance Program (C-WAP). This innovative new program offers residents workforce development training in industries that are in critical need of employees and that pay minimum wages of $13.50 per hour. The city's goal is to help over 215 residents obtain industry credentials and employment by the end of the year. "We heard from many who are struggling with unemployment and are worried about how to provide for their families," said Mayor McKinley L. Price. "This program underscores our city's belief in our residents and their limitless potential. By investing in those who call Newport News home, we are transforming their circumstances and helping them begin challenging new careers in high-demand industries." The C-WAP program is facilitated by the Greater Peninsula Workforce Development Consortium and offers residents training in healthcare, information technology, maritime, construction/trades and truck driving. Courses will be led by certified instructors from the following organizations: Centura College (truck driving – CDL) Shipper's Choice (truck driving – CDL) Healthcare Training Solutions (healthcare) Talent Tech South (information technology) Hampton Roads Workforce Council/Virginia Ship Repair (maritime) Virginia Technical Academy (construction and trades) The C-WAP Program is open to Newport News residents over the age of 18 who are not tied to compulsory school attendance. Residents must be unemployed or underemployed due to COVID-19 and/or experiencing family hardships resulting from the pandemic. Courses begin immediately, with programs blending in-person training at provider sites and virtual sessions. There is no cost for residents to be involved in the program and participants will graduate with national credentials by December 30. Many of the programs have rolling application deadlines. Residents can contact the organizations directly for specific program information (a list of phone numbers is below). To provide additional job training and workforce development supports, the city will open the Denbigh Workforce Center at 14851 Warwick Boulevard on Monday, October 5. Residents can visit the center for help researching and applying for jobs, resume writing support, information on training and workforce development programs, and to use the computer lab. The Center will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. For more information, residents should email [email protected] or call 757-354-7764. C-WAP Training Partners: Centura College (truck driving – CDL) – 757-874-2121 Shipper's Choice (truck driving – CDL) – 757-896-1155 Healthcare Training Solutions (healthcare) – 757-405-8498 Talent Tech South (information technology) – 888-909-1542 Virginia Ship Repair/ Hampton Roads Workforce Council (maritime) – 757-233-7034 Virginia Technical Academy (construction and trades) – 757-383-9585 This press release was produced by the City of Newport News.The views expressed here are the author's own.