SKILLS ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM

Helps low-income workers increase their skills and get a higher paying job.

The Skills Enhancement program was created to support those who are working but continue to struggle to make ends meet because they are not earning a ‘living wage’. Funds are available to support workforce readiness and job skills training through case management and career services for low-income residents in our service area.

The goal of the program is to help working adults create a plan and complete a short-term training program of their choice so they can receive a higher paying job with better benefits to improve self-sufficiency and quality of life.

On average, this program helps participants make an additional $6.14 per hour, totaling an average of $17,407 more in annual salary earnings.

Through this program, our Program Manager is able to help with:

Carrie Kittleson is pictured studying for her Associates in Nursing Degree at CVTC – River Falls. Carrie came to West CAP through a referral from a local women’s shelter. She enrolled in Skills Enhancement and received help paying for gas and books so she could earn her degree. She is now working full-time as a Registered Nurse.
  • Financial assistance for tuition, class supplies/books, home internet, mileage reimbursement for school-related travel, childcare reimbursement while you attend class.
  • Exploration of career options, including non-traditional occupations
  • A Plan that includes a part-time class schedule that fits into your work schedule.
  • Development of new skills or enhancement of your current skills while working
  • The opporunity to increase your earning potential and access employer-sponsored health insurance.

ELIGIBILITY: Program participants must be 18 years of age or older and currently working at least 20 hours per week throughout the program. Income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines, and you must be a resident of Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, or St. Croix county.

Due to limited funding, we are the payer of last resort. All other sources of assistance must be explored first.

The Skills Enhancement Program is designed to be an on-going partnership with the client, not a source of one-time assistance. Program participants are exptected to:

  • Meet with Skills Enhancement Program staff for an initial screening. This can be done over the phone or in-person at a convenient location to collect information about you, your current job, your household, your education/training/career goals, barriers, and timeline.
  • If you are eligible to move forward with program enrollment, you must provide proof of employment and proof of household income.
  • Develop a detailed Plan that will help you to meet your career goals and increase your wages and benefits through a short-term training program or technical degree requirements.
  • Maintain regular monthly check-ins with the Skills Enhancement staff as you carry out your Plan.
  • Continue working 20 hours each week while you complete your short-term training program or technical degree.
  • Inform staff of changes (address, phone, income, household members, etc)
  • Complete and return all forms as requested.
  • Participate in follow-up surveys after exiting the program.

Questions? Please contact:

STEPHANIE STARK

Adult Education Programs Coordinator

Direct: 715-900-2148 | Mobile: 715-410-4735
Fax: 715-265-7031
Email: sstark@wcap.org

Stephanie manages the the Adult Education Programs, including the Adult Literacy program, the Skills Enhancement program, and the Nursing Skills program. She actively recruits adult learners and volunteer tutors for this program in an effort to give low income individuals a higher quality of life. She has a broad network of collaborations including area technical colleges, public libraries, and community partners to make this program a success.

Stephanie has over 20 years of experience in student instruction, literacy and ESL service experience, and educational assessments.

Contact Stephanie if you are interested in learning more!