G.I. JOBS KANSAS Table of Contents Section 1 Executive Summary... 1 Section 2 - Technical Proposal... 4 Statement of Need... 4 Outlook for Green Industry Job Opportunities... 5 Organizational Capacity... 7 Linkages with Facilities Serving Eligible Veterans... 9 Linkages with Other Providers of Employment and Training Service for Eligible Veterans... 10 Linkages with Other Federally Funded Agencies... 10 Linkages with Department of Veterans Affairs, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment... 10 Outreach Activities... 11 Services to be Provided... 11 Workforce Center Services... 11 DVOP Services... 12 LVER Services... 13 Supportive Services Strategy... 15 Training Services Strategy... 15 Measures of Success... 19 Leveraging Resources... 19 Sustainability... 20
ATTACHMENTS Attachment A- Wind energy maps (1 page) Attachment B Commerce Organizational charts (2 pages) Attachment C Letters of Support (2 pages)
Section 1 Executive Summary The Kansas Department of Commerce (Commerce) proposes a statewide project to expedite the reintegration of 150 veterans (recently separated and/or with service-connected disabilities) into the civilian workforce in support of the President s Green Vets commitment. At least 82% of those enrolled will participate in green industry training activities, exceeding VWIP standards. This project will benefit Kansas employers by providing trained and competent workers to fill jobs in green industries and will benefit eligible veterans by accelerating their reintegration into jobs offering good pay and benefits. Commerce is the state agency responsible for the administration of the Wagner-Peyser program, the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), the Jobs for Veterans Act grant funding Disabled Veterans Outreach Program (DVOP) staff and Local Veterans Employment Representatives (LVER), and many other federally funded employment and training grants. This project, known as G.I. (Green Industry) Jobs Kansas, will recruit eligible veterans from all areas of the state for opportunities in green industries. Veterans will be recruited through Kansas Department of Commerce s weekly Transition Assistance Program (TAP) classes at Fort Riley, Fort Leavenworth and McConnell Air Force Base. This program is made available to soldiers and their spouses who are planning to transition to civilian life, and informs them of training and career opportunities available throughout the State. Semi-annually, the Military Affairs Council, local area Chambers of Commerce, and Commerce Workforce Services partner to offer a Career Retirement Planning Seminar for retiring career soldiers, with 20 plus years of military experience, and their spouses. The seminar includes a job fair which promotes local career opportunities and emphasizes the quality of life in Kansas. In addition to this local job fair, Commerce staff attend the various 1
Army Career and Transition (ACAP) job fairs around the country. These fairs, used as a recruiting tool for exiting soldiers, are especially effective in promoting relocation to Kansas. Commerce will deliver the overall strategy for the proposed project by providing direct services, and coordinating and collaborating with the State and Local Workforce Boards, the State Energy Sector Partnership and its five sector Project Teams, and many other partners. KANSASWORKS, the state workforce system, will utilize its combined resource to provide assessment, case management, needs-related support, training and placement services to all program participants. Additional activities will center on identifying transferrable military skills and providing the education and training necessary to fill gaps in experience or academic requirements leading to professional certification or credentialing. Examples include the following: Process Technology Certificate; Energy Auditing Technician-Residential Certificate; Electrical Power Transmission Technology Program; Process Technology Certificate; Manufacturing Skills Certificate; Registered Apprenticeship Certificate; Gas Measurement Technician Certificate; Wind Energy Technology (WET) Certificate. These professional certifications and credentials, in addition to other employment services, will prepare G.I. Jobs Kansas participants for employment in the following strategic green areas: 2
Wind energy; Wind energy manufacturing and its related supply chain; Weatherization; Energy efficiency assessment; Energy-efficient building construction, including solar voltaic and solar thermal; Electric power transmission improvements to support the growing wind industry; and Residual occupations such as site meteorologists for wind farms, maintenance mechanics to service wind towers, manufacturing of green products and other work related to renewable energy; Biomass; Gas Transmission and Measurement. Section 2 - Technical Proposal Statement of Need G.I. Jobs Kansas is a statewide project to employing eligible veterans in green industries throughout the State of Kansas. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, there are 142,071 veterans in Kansas 18-64 years of age. An estimated 7,900 are recently separated and/or have service-connected disabilities. In addition, it is estimated that nearly 1,000 newly transitioned service members will locate in Kansas during the grant period. Fort Riley is projected to have more than 18,000 soldiers by the end of FY 2011 representing a nearly 50% increase over the past several years. The projected number of transitioning service members during the grant period is 1,800 with a large majority staying in the Junction City and Manhattan areas upon separation from the military. 3
Fort Leavenworth projects 275 separating military personnel with a large majority remaining in Kansas. McConnell Air Base in Wichita projects 290 separating military personnel with approximately 58 staying in the area. According to the Kansas Department of Labor (February, 1010), the state s unemployment rate is 6.8%, with substantially higher unemployment rates in the following areas. Kansas City 10.5% Leavenworth 11.4% Wichita 8.1% Atchison Micro Area 9.3% The estimated unemployment rate for recently separated and disabled veterans is 10 15% higher than the civilian rate. Additionally, according to the US Census Bureau, Small Area Estimates Branch, 2008 Poverty and Median Income Estimates, counties in Kansas range, in terms of poverty rates, from a high of 19.6 % in Riley County to a low of 4.6 % in Johnson County. The top ten counties in terms of poverty rates are as follows: 4
Riley County 19.6% Wyandotte County 19.2% Crawford County 18.3% Douglas County 17.8% Cherokee County 16.6% Woodson County 16.6% Elk County 16.0% Cowley County 15.9% Brown County 15.7% Labette County 15.7% The number of exiting soldiers, and the higher than average unemployment rates for Veterans, makes GI Jobs Kansas an important solution for the long term employability of our Veterans. Outlook for Green Industry Job Opportunities Kansans can accurately be referred to as "people of the south wind". Governor Mark Parkinson signed a renewable energy bill on May 22, 2009, requiring 20 percent of the public utilities electricity to be generated by wind farms and other renewable sources by 2020.. The 2009 Kansas Legislature also passed and Governor Parkinson signed into law the Economic Revitalization Act which provides up to a $5 million bond-funded incentive to each wind or solar manufacturer bringing at least a $30 million investment and creating a minimum of 200 full time jobs paying an average of $32,500 per year over five years. In addition to the specific actions to harden policy direction through statute, Federal action regarding tax credits for energy efficiency measures and grant funding supporting weatherization have resulted in a significant focus on energy efficiency by the Governor s Energy Office at the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) and the Kansas Housing Resource Corporation (KHRC). Both organizations have developed programs serving significant portions of the built environment. Most notable, 5
the KCC leveraged federal funds to create a $34 million revolving loan program to assure a long term sustainable source for funding energy efficiency improvements, indicated by a qualified energy auditor. Other programs provide energy auditor training scholarships, energy auditor equipment grants, marketing program grants, loan fee rebates and energy audit rebates. Advanced manufacturing and wind energy are key components of the Kansas economy and offer considerable current and future well-paid employment opportunities. The Department of Commerce conducted a survey of the five energy sector industries established by the State Energy Sector Partnership to determine projected workforce needs during the performance period of this grant. It is estimated that 6,013 new and vacated jobs will become available in these sectors during this period. Additionally, Kansas manufacturing and construction workforce of over 160,000 will need updated green skills. Significant training opportunities will also be created in the utility industry where data projects company retirement rates ranging from 31-50% within the next five years as well as a need to train workers on smart grid technologies. Leaders in these industries have a strong interest in a standardized training resulting in certified individuals who meet their employment needs. To assist in achieving their desired level of competitiveness, G.I. Jobs Kansas will focus on channeling eligible veterans into the pipeline of civilian energy workers by assisting them with necessary talent certification and credentialing. As of April, 2009, there are seven industrial wind generation facilities operating in the state of Kansas; with additional facilities scheduled to be operational in the near future. The facilities include: (see attachment A) Elk River (150 MW); 6
Flat Ridge (100 MW); Gray County (112 MW); Smokey Hills (250 MW); Spearville (100 MW); Central Plains (99 MW). Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L) recently issued two requests for proposals to add up to 300 MW of wind generation in the 2010/2011 time frame and Westar Inc.acquired development rights for a new wind energy farm to develop up to 500 MW with the initial 200 MW to be completed by 2011 or 2012. As these projects continue to develop, workers will be needed in both the construction and operational phases of production. In addition, other wind turbine manufacturing companies are considering locating in Kansas. Organizational Capacity The overall strategy for the G.I. Jobs Kansas project has been developed and will be managed by Commerce staff. Commerce is the state agency responsible for the administration of the Wagner-Peyser program, the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), the JVA grant and other federally funded employment and training grants. As a result, Commerce staff has extensive experience managing the administrative, programmatic, and financial aspects of employment and training programs and providing services to participants similar to those proposed under this solicitation. Commerce has an understanding of the complex workforce issues veterans face, familiarity with all labor market areas of the state, is a participating partner in all Kansas Workforce Centers, and has the proven capability to effectively administer employment and 7
training programs for veterans. Commerce staff will provide many direct services, and will coordinate and collaborate with the State and Local Workforce Boards and other partners to ensure a vast array of employment, training and supportive services are provided. Commerce has administered the JVA grant since its inception and has consistently met or exceeded the established performance standards. Because programmatic reporting and participant tracking is already in place, Commerce will be able to quickly integrate the G.I. Jobs Kansas project into its existing structure and begin activities July 1, 2011. The project will be aligned with the current structure of Commerce. Two new state civil service limited-term positions will be created to coordinate and advance the G.I. Jobs Kansas project, and act as liaisons with federal, state and local government agencies, community organizations, business communities and other public and private entities. These individuals will work closely with the Local Boards, Workforce Centers, the State Energy Sector Partnership, and DVOP/LVER staff to ensure services are provided as described in this proposal. One staff position will be located on the Fort Riley Military Reservation and the other will be located in the Wichita Workforce Center. Both positions will report to the State Veterans Services Manager. An organization chart describing Commerce in general and the Division of Workforce Services is included. (see attachment B) The Kansas Department of Commerce audit statement dated within the last 18 months is included as an attachment. (see attachment C) Linkages with Facilities Serving Eligible Veterans To support and enhance services provided through the G.I. Jobs Kansas project, Commerce employees (DVOP/LVER staff) will facilitate linkages with veterans service organizations such as the following: 8
American Legion; American Veterans (AMVETS); Disabled American Veterans; Kansas Commission on Veteran s Affairs; Kansas National Guard and Reserve Commands; Purple Heart; U.S. Department of Defense; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Vietnam Veterans of America; and Other appropriate veteran service organizations. Veterans enrolled in the G.I. Jobs Kansas project will be assessed for compensation or pension eligibility and referred to the Department of Veterans Affairs to apply for and receive benefits for which they may be entitled. When a participant files a claim, the progress will be tracked and documented in the individual participant s case management record. As necessary, referrals will be made to health care, counseling and rehabilitative services including, but not limited to the Veterans Administration Medical Centers, Vet s Center or other community partners for alcohol and drug rehabilitation, mental health services, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) services and therapeutic services. Linkages with Other Providers of Employment and Training Service for Eligible Veterans Commerce will deliver the overall strategy for the proposed project by providing direct services and coordinating and collaborating with the State and Local Workforce Boards, State 9
Energy Sector Partnership and its five Project Teams, and other partners. G.I. Jobs Kansas will coordinate with a network of faith-based and community organizations to expand outreach and service delivery to eligible veterans who rely on the services of faith-based and community organizations. Commerce also has strong linkages with numerous workforce development agencies and organizations focusing on business. Methods have been developed between One- Stop partners to maximize resources to serve mutual customers, including eligible veterans. A coordinated intake and information system has been developed through kansasworks.com. Linkages with Other Federally Funded Agencies Commerce has established linkages to collaborate and maximize resources with agencies having access to federal funding to provide appropriate supportive services for eligible veterans such as the following: Community Action Agencies Housing and Urban Development Kansas Social and Rehabilitation Services Linkages with Department of Veterans Affairs, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment The Department of Veteran Affairs Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program helps veterans with service-connected disabilities by offering services and assistance to find and keep suitable employment. When VR&E sends referrals to the state s Workforce Centers, the DVOP initiates case management services to determine employment goals, identify barriers to employment, and develop an individual employment plan with the customer. All VR&E participants will be assessed to determine their suitability for enrollment into the G.I. Jobs Kansas project. 10
Outreach Activities Outreach activities to promote program awareness and recruit eligible veterans and employers for participation in the G.I. Jobs Kansas project will include the following: Recruiting recently separated veterans transitioning out of the three military installations where Transition Assistance Program (TAP) workshops are delivered by DVOP/LVER staff; Promoting green industry training opportunities to eligible veterans through electronic media such as radio and television ads, and social networking websites on such as Facebook.com, Twitter.com, etc.; Promoting the G.I. Jobs Kansas project through Military Career Fairs; and Using the KANSASWORKS Mobile Center to enroll eligible veterans into the G.I. Jobs Kansas project. Services to be Provided GI Jobs Kansas will provide training for certification or credentialing, employment and training services, and supportive services to eligible participants resulting in employment in green industries. Workforce Center Services G.I. Jobs Kansas participants will receive a full array of self-service and staff-assisted employment and training services available through the Workforce Centers such as: Outreach; Intake; 11
Assessment, including identification of interests, knowledge, abilities and transferrable military skills; Identification of significant barriers to employment; Career counseling; Life skills and money management training; Job preparatory training including resume writing and interviewing skills; Job search activities including job search workshops; Job development services; Classroom training; and Follow-up services to enhance retention. DVOP Services All Kansas DVOP staff have been trained extensively in case management for employment purposes through the certified Career Development Technician (CDT) Registered Apprenticeship program. DVOP staff will facilitate intensive services for veterans enrolled in G.I. Jobs Kansas who have significant barriers to employment. These services may include any combination of the following: Career guidance; Comprehensive assessment; Individual Employment Plan; Job development contacts; 12
Referral to jobs; Referral to training; and Supportive services; DVOP staff will conduct outreach activities to locate eligible veterans for the G.I. Jobs Kansas project through organizations such as the following: Civic and service organizations; Department of Veterans Affairs (V A) hospitals; Vet Centers; Homeless shelters; Homeless Veterans Reintegration Project (HVRP); Partners through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA); State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies; Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E); and Other service providers. LVER Services All Kansas LVER staff have received extensive training in how to engage employers through the certified Career Development Technician (CDT) Registered Apprenticeship program. LVER staff will promote veterans participating in the G.I. Jobs Kansas project as a category of job candidates who have highly marketable skills and experience. They will advocate for employment and training opportunities with green business and industry by carrying out the following activities: 13
Plan and participate in job fairs to promote program awareness among employers and eligible veterans; Promote green industry certification and credentialing opportunities with training providers and institutions; and Work with business communities and partners such as the following to promote green industry employment and training opportunities: o o o o Kansas Corporation Commission Energy Program; Kansas Energy Council; KSU Wind Applications Center; and County Wind Task Forces. LVER staff will establish, maintain, and facilitate regular contact with employers to develop green industry employment and training opportunities for eligible veterans. Examples may include the following activities: Develop employer contact plans to include federal contractors engaged in green industries. Components of the plan may include: telephone contacts; employer visits; and ongoing research and analysis of local market conditions and employment opportunities; and Coordinate with other business outreach representatives in the Workforce Center to facilitate and promote green industry employment and training opportunities for eligible veterans. 14
Supportive Services Strategy Veterans who are recently separated or have service-connected disabilities are often in need of supportive services during their transition from military pay to civilian employment. To meet that need, the Workforce Center most conveniently located to the participant will provide supportive services designed to address barriers to employment. Additionally, the statewide high-definition videoconferencing system will be utilized to broaden the capabilities of serving Veterans in remote areas. G.I. Jobs Kansas participants will be provided transportation, childcare, dependent care, housing and other services as necessary to enable eligible veterans to participate in project activities. Training Services Strategy The career center most convenient for each participant will be the hub for training activities needed to assess current skill level and provide initial academic requirements. At least 82% of all eligible veterans enrolled in G.I. Jobs Kansas will participate in green industry training activities. These training activities will result in training outcomes producing workers with green skills necessary to implement the Governor s energy policy to have all Kansas investor owned utilities generate 20% of their power from renewable sources by 2020. The primary training strategy is to use the postsecondary community and technical college system; leveraging our strong relationships with these organizations. Cloud County Community College (CCCC) CCCC has developed and implemented a very successful wind energy technician program to train students for careers in wind turbine maintenance and repair. The Associate of Applied Science degree provides the best opportunity for students without lineman or 15
electrician experience. Through the certificate curriculum, students with appropriate training and experience quickly attain 37 hours of critical coursework for wind energy. The curriculum is designed for traditional and nontraditional learners. Classes are offered in a typical college format five days a week as well as in a blocked schedule so commuting or working students can take 4 classes or 12 credit hours one day a week. WET online classes utilize simulation software for hands-on lab experiences and provide students additional flexibility in scheduling. There is currently a waiting list of students to attend training in certificate or degree programs in wind technology maintenance. As part of a strategy to meet future wind technician needs associated with anticipated wind construction projects throughout Kansas, the State Energy Sector Partnership will be assisting CCCC to expand the reach of the wind energy technician program through articulation agreements with seven other institutions at strategically located community and technical colleges across the state. Hutchinson Community College (HCC) Along with several other Community Colleges, across Kansas, developed the Manufacturing Skills Certificate (MSC), a 270 hour curriculum developed in association with industry. Participants receiving the MSC will develop requisite skills for entering advanced manufacturing employment. The training addresses the following employability skills identified to address workforce development needs within the advanced manufacturing sector: Applied Mechanics Blueprint Reading Business Operations and Procedures 16
Communication Skills Computer Skills Environmental Health and Safety Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerances Manufacturing Materials and Processes Math Skills Precision Measurement Quality Concepts and Systems Hutchison Community College also offers a Process Technology Certificate, developed in association with industry, for developing the base requisite skills for process industry technicians in the biomass industry. Participation in this certificate program will significantly enhance the placement success of GI Jobs Kansas participants. in the biomass industry. The availability of this program is particularly critical to meet the needs of a major biomass facility that will open shortly, Abengoa Bioscience which will employ over 150 workers. Pratt Community College (PCC) Along with other community colleges in western and southern Kansas offer a series of certificates in Electrical Power Transmission Technology for developing requisite skills for individuals entering the electric transmission line installation and repair industry. Barton Community College (BCC) Developed in association with industry, offers a Gas Measurement Technician certificate program, for developing requisite skills for individuals entering the gas transmission and 17
measurement industry. Well-trained field technicians are needed to optimize and maintain the efficiency of the natural gas gathering, processing and transmission systems, increasing the efficient use of this natural resource and reducing the escape of gas into the atmosphere. The shortage of trained technicians could force operating companies to hire workers without basic skills, causing increased operating costs, suboptimal operation, loss of efficiency and higher safety risk. The SESP grant that the Department of Commerce recently received will expand the program s reach and capabilities. Neosho County Community College (NCCC) Will provide certificate programs in energy audit and sustainable energy installation. This program will leverage the Kansas Corporation Commission s (KCC) Energy Auditor Training and Scholarships program, which will provide approximately 100 scholarships for those attending energy auditor training. Wichita Area Technical College, Hutchison Community College, Johnson County Community College, Allen County Community College and the Mid-America Manufacturing Technology Center will provide instruction leading to certifications which support the deployment of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and streamlined processing and efficient manufacturing (LEAN) training programs with green manufacturers or construction firms. RA Works! Registered Apprenticeship This training strategy prepares participants for skilled employment by conducting training in bona fide and documented employment settings. It leads to an industry recognized certificate and official recognition as a skilled journey worker. 18
Measures of Success Commerce has extensive experience in establishing and maintaining a comprehensive accountability system to measure the performance of G.I. Jobs Kansas. The goal will be to place 150 participants into the civilian workforce. At least 82% will participate in training activities to gain professional certification or credentials. The proposed performance outcomes will be an Entered Employment Rate (EER) of 65% and an Employment Retention Rate (ERR) of 65%. Participants who enter employment will be evaluated through the 180-day and 270-day employment retention follow-up periods after a participant is employed. Leveraging Resources Commerce will coordinate and collaborate with numerous partners to leverage in-kind resources such as equipment, supplies, facilities, personnel and miscellaneous expenses. For example, DVOP/LVER staff will be utilized at no cost to the grant to provide services to participants in need of intensive case management services and will assist those veterans who are ready to enter employment after training. The availability of high-definition videoconferencing equipment in certain Workforce Centers, public libraries and community colleges will allow services to be provided at a cost much lower than traveling. Videoconferencing will provide the opportunity for G.I. Jobs Kansas enrollees to participate in training otherwise unavailable to them because of the distance between their residence and the training institution. Sustainability Sustainability of the G.I. Jobs Kansas project will depend on potential future funding provided through this grant or similar opportunities. In the event additional funding 19
opportunities are unavailable, Commerce will reassess priorities and determine which programs and projects will be funded based on a variety of factors including costs and successes. 20