LVN - RN STEP UP

by Renee Barr

STEP was an integral part of history in the making, as May 17, 2008, College of the Siskiyous hosted the first graduating class of LVN-RN STEP UP students! The class began June 9, 2007 with 20 students, 19 sponsored by STEP. Of those 19 who began, 17 completed. The majority of the students have secured employment or are in the process of job search activities.

A special thanks to NoRTEC for the time and effort expended writing the proposal, for the LVN-RN STEP Grant. The students expressed their appreciation for the financial assistance (i.e. textbooks, exam fees, uniforms, etc.) the grant provided; thus allowing them to obtain their goal -- Registered Nurse!

 

2008 Youth "Get a Job" Days

by Wanda Norgaard

Once again, STEP, Inc. has sponsored the annual Youth "Get a Job" Days at five of the local high schools in Siskiyou County. Workforce Connection staff scheduled the events at the various high schools. A total of 79 students participated in the job search preparation and resume building activities. Each student completed a Knowledge of Proper Work Habits, Attitudes, and Behavior Testing. Students were then contacted with clarification of their incorrect answers and comments/suggestions on their resumes.

Premier West Bank donated two $50 savings bonds for the Weed High School "Get a Job" Day event. A competition was held to choose the top two resumes, with consideration given to high scoring on the test. Joshua Kazon and Jennifer Polcovar were the winners.

Excel Training for Siskiyou County Superior Court

by Jeanne Hough & Josephine Wyatt

STEP staff were contacted in early spring by Siskiyou County Superior Court regarding customized excel training for their staff. The goal for the County was to provide training for approximately 70 staff members in basic Excel.

Staff developed a training schedule to allow for 4 three-hour sessions with 7-8 individuals per session. The first class consisted of 2 three-hour sessions with a total of thirteen attendees. The original schedule was modified due to increased court activity. Subsequent training will begin in early fall.

Students were very complimentary of the pace and the content of the class and inquired regarding additional trainings that might be available in Word and Power Point.

This fee for service was a perfect fit based on the price of $59 and the individualized instruction received. We look forward to continue working with Siskiyou County Superior Court for their customized training needs.

Workforce Connection Adds Payroll Services to Business Services

by Stephanie Aquila & Josephine Wyatt

Stephanie Aquila from the fiscal department at STEP, Inc., received a lead that Steve and Sherri Rock, owners of Layton’s Liquor and Lake Shastina Mini Mart, needed assistance with payroll services. Stephanie and Jeanne Hough, Executive Director, met with Sherri to determine her needs and how STEP could assist with their payroll. The accounting firm that Sherri had used in the past was no longer available to process her payroll and quarterly reporting requirements.

STEP, stepped in (no pun intended) and processes their payroll which includes both businesses semi-monthly. They employ an average of 10 employees at both stores. In addition to processing payroll, the fiscal department also prints needed reports and will complete quarterly and annual forms.

This fee for services included a one-time start up fee, monthly processing fees, and an additional fee for quarterly forms.

Offering this new service in the area has been very exciting and we are hoping to find more businesses that can benefit with our help. Steve and Sherri Rock are very pleased with STEP and have expressed their appreciation and will telling others.

Workplace Boot Camp

by Jeanne Hough & Josephine Wyatt

Through a partnership with STEP, Inc., and Siskiyou County Human Services, a 3-week program has been developed, geared toward work readiness skills, job search and retention. This project was named Workplace Boot Camp because of the intense skill development in a short period of time.

The focus for the first group of participants was Cal Work’s participants that had the option of signing up voluntarily for the program.

STEP and Human Services staff developed a varied curriculum which included topics such as Customer Service, Working with Difficult People, Conflict Resolution, Computer Applications, Office Machines, Phone Etiquette, Stress Management, Nutrition, Job Search, Resume Writing and Interviewing.

At the completion of the 3-week course, four participants received certificates of completion and a “graduation” was held. Students commented on how much they enjoyed the excel training and job search topics.

Sign-ups are currently being taken for the fall classes.