Leveraging Your Resources – APICS NOCO Provides Training Assistance.

Many folks have fallen subject to the economic reality of RIFs, Reduction-In-Force. That does NOT mean however that you are a victim without support. APICS NOCO has teamed up with The Colorado Work Force offices all around the state to provide funding for our approved certification classes. This is an excellent way to use some of your un–attached time from an employer to increase your value and beef up your resume.

First locate and contact the Work Force office nearest to you. Here is the web address to gather contact information:

Requirements are VERY simple:

1. Be county resident or laid off from county employer
2. Sign up with workforce center
3. Attend Career Transition Services orientation meeting
4. Complete and submit application
5. Allow a week or so for WF office to get back with you and assign a counselor
6. Schedule appointment with counselor
7. Meet with counselor, finalize your application and lay out a "transition plan" for you

They will suggest workshops and activities that they feel you should participate in to assist in your job search.  It is perfectly acceptable to request APICS certification programs. APICS NoCo is an approved training source statewide for the programs you need. This includes, CSCA; Certified Supply Chain Analyst, CPIM; Certified Production Inventory Manager, CSCP; Certified Supply Chain Professional and CLM; Certified Lean Master. Depending on the individual case, you may need to go through some hoops before you can apply for scholarship funding.  Be diligent and purposeful! They have set the process up to eliminate people who are not really serious.  Maintain your intention to make the most of this opportunity for FREE training that immediately impacts you in a positive way.

To apply for the scholarship money, you will perform at least 3 informational interviews with people of influence within the industry.  We on the APICS BOD are here to serve you. Just contact us from the listing in the website. The purpose of the interviews is to make sure what education/certification you want is worthwhile and will enhance your ability to land a job.

Who can participate?

• Information on the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act summarized below.
• Information about the Trade Adjustment Assistance/North American Free Trade Agreement(TAA/NAFTA) Programs-is your layoff due to foreign import competition or relocation of production off shore?  If so your employees may be eligible for additional retraining benefits.

1. Government Scholarships for Training

1. Funds are available for training for the unemployed and some other categories of individuals.
2. Local employers such as Vestas, Woodward, and Lexmark support the Certified Lean Master program.
3. One course will start on July 15, 2009 and others are planned.
4. There are a number of steps involved and you must start now.

2. The Certified Lean Master Program

1. Learn more via a free webinar for APICS NoCo attendees. Register at: https://www.123signup.com/calendar?Org=transformanceadvisors&cat:1115=1902
2. You may also want the CLM brochure from APICS NoCo and Transformance Advisors. Double click here on the document to open the two page PDF file;
3. The CLM program involves working on a real lean project. Don’t worry – we will find you a project.
4. The CLM program is approved and in the system, but can be hard to find. It is at: http://navigator.cdle.state.co.us/guide/traininfo_dtl.asp?tInstCode=COTTEI%20%20%20%20&tCipExt=1&tCipCode=139999&tNewLevel=8&tDetType=program. Print a screen shot and take it with you.
5. When you receive approval for funding, then you can register at: http://www.apicsnoco.org/classRegistration/#Certified_Lean_Master_(CLM)

3. Adams County Workforce

1. Individuals who have not been able to obtain employment through our basic (core) services may be eligible to receive additional levels of service through enrollment in one of our Workforce Investment Act (WIA) programs. The WIA Adult Program and the WIA Dislocated Worker Program can provide the means to increase employability and achieve career goals.
2. Visit the following website for a description of the program: http://www.co.adams.co.us/index.cfm?d=standard&b=1&c=34&s=229&p=646
3. Visit the Western Service Center at 12200 Pecos Street to inquire about eligibility requirements and program enrollment.

4. Boulder County Workforce

1. The workforce center helps people who have lost their jobs through layoffs, downsizing, plant closures, and business closures. In addition, they have services for job seekers who have been a full time homemaker for at least three years and were mainly supported by another person who is no longer present.
2. Visit the following website for a description of the program: http://www.wfbc.org/other_serv/edwaa.htm
3. Visit the Boulder office at 2520 55th St, Suite 100 (303-301-2900) or the Longmont office at 1500 Kansas Avenue, Suite 4D (303-651-1510) to register and meet with the Employee Services Team and inquire about eligibility requirements and program enrollment.

5. Broomfield County Workforce

1. The Broomfield Workforce Center provides services for job-seekers, such as job listings, career counseling and training, and resume assistance. The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) was designed to meet the needs of both a job seeker trying to further their career and for employers looking for qualified applicants for their jobs.
2. Visit the following website for a description of the WIA program http://www.broomfield.org/hhs/Workforce_Center/Workforce_Investment_Act.shtml
3. Visit the Broomfield office at 6650 W. 120th Avenue, Unit A1 (303) 464-5855, register as a job seeker through www.connectingcolorado.com and meet with a Workforce Specialist to determine eligibility for training.

6. Jefferson County Workforce

1. Jefferson County Workforce Center serves people in the tri-county area, providing access to the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). This is a program created by the federal government in 1998 to help people enter or return to employment. The program is designed to assist with career planning, assessment, career exploration, and with finding and keeping a job.
2. Visit the following website for a description of the program: http://www.jeffcoworkforce.org/seeker_educational.php
3. To determine eligibility, you must attend an orientation session. Attending the orientation session will help you meet the Jefferson County Workforce Staff and they can explain the next steps in getting approval for funding to take the Certified Lean Master program.
4. The hour long orientation session is offered at the Jefferson County Workforce Center on a walk-in schedule during the following times:
   1. Mondays at 9:30 AM
   2. Wednesdays at 1:30 PM
   3. Fridays at 9:30 AM

7. Larimer County Workforce

1. Career Transition Services, of the Larimer County Workforce Center, has a program called Career Transition Program to help unemployed people explore career options, clarify their career goals, and obtain employment. Below is a brief outline of steps to follow to navigate the Career Transition Program.
2. Visit the following website for a description of the program and the qualification criteria: http://www.larimerworkforce.org/index.php?pr=Career_Transition_Program
3. If you qualify, you must register and attend an orientation session. Attending the orientation session will help you meet the Larimer County Workforce Staff and they can explain the next steps in getting approval for funding to take the Certified Lean Master program.
4. Register at: http://www.larimerworkforce.org/index.php?pr=Career_Transition_Services_Information_Sign-up

8. Weld County Workforce

1. Employment Services of Weld County is a comprehensive workforce center which connects resources for employment, education, and training services. The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) is a program created by the federal government to help people enter or return to employment.
2. Visit the following website for a description of the program: http://www.eswc.org/JobSeekerServices/EmploymentPrograms/wia.htm
3. You must register and attend an orientation session. Contact one of the workforce sites to see if you qualify: Greeley (970)353-3800, Del Camino (720) 652-4209 or (970)353-3800 x 8909 or Ft Lupton (303) 857-2725 or (970)353-3800 x 5890. They can explain the next steps in getting approval for funding to take the Certified Lean Master program.

9. Other Locations

1. Visit the Colorado Workforce Center at: http://www.coworkforce.com/EMP/WFCs.asp
2. Contact your local workforce center to inquire about eligibility requirements and program enrollment.

10. Certified Lean Master Sponsors