Honoring Center for Training and Career's Women Empowered to Move Ahead Program

HONORING CENTER FOR TRAINING AND CAREERS' WOMEN EMPOWERED TO MOVE AHEAD PROGRAM -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 29, 2004)

SPEECH OF
HON. ZOE LOFGREN
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2004

Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Center for Training and Careers (CTC) of San Jose for establishing the Women Empowered to Move Ahead (WEMA) collaborative program.

WEMA was created by CTC when they were approached by Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) to help train women for the Utility Worker and Apprentice Lineman divisions. At that time PG&E did not have any women in those positions. With CTC's extensive experience designing non-traditional programs for under-employed and unemployed women, a program was developed that focused the curriculum on the employment process of PG&E.

Students received 325 hours of instruction over a 13-week period, and special support services were provided for the participants. WEMA also met the requirements of the Silicon Valley Workforce Investment Network (SVWIN) that emphasize programs that respond to the special needs of the employer community. SVWIN committed Workforce Investment Act funds and provided referrals through its One Stop Employment Centers.

I am proud of the caring staff whose dedication has built the WEMA program. Because of their hard work, many women in San Jose will have a better and more optimistic future. I thank the CTC for their valuable service to our community.