Work Readiness Program at Perth Amboy

Through Grants provided by the Middlesex County Work Force Investment Board, Middlesex County College assists clients receiving public assistance with life and academic skills necessary to support them in becoming financially independent.

Career And Life Management

This program is designed to identify and address each individual’s barriers to success. Special emphasis is placed on helping each participant identify his/her personal, academic, and career goals. Special focus is placed on the steps required to begin the journey to achieve these life changes. Participants are provided with:

1. Educational, Aptitude and Interest Testing and interpretation
2. Individual vocational counseling
3. Career Exploration
4. Goal setting and Decision Making Techniques
5. Time Management Practices
6. Conflict Resolution and Anger Management Applications
7. Parenting Skills
8. Introduction to MS Windows and the Internet
9. Communication Techniques

An integral component of this program is the Case Management Process. This involves the staffs of the Middlesex County Work Force Investment Board, the Middlesex County Board of Social Services, the New Jersey Department of Labor, and Middlesex County College working together to plan and facilitate the individual’s quest to achieve his/her goals and to overcome the barriers to success.

Early Employment Initiative

This program is designed to assist individuals applying for public assistance to obtain employment prior to their receiving a cash grant.

The program’s staff maintains a listing of current job openings and maintains contacts with local employers.

Participants are provided with:

1. Resume preparation and interview techniques
2. Access to Internet, fax machine, telephone, and other office equipment necessary for a successful job search

Alternative Work Experience Program

This program is designed to provide individuals, who are currently receiving public assistance with academic, ESL, and “world of work” skills. Participants in this program receive a half-day of academic instruction tailored to their individual needs. In addition, each participant performs a half-day of work experience at a non-profit agency. This is intended to provide the individual with appropriate work habits, real skills, and contacts within the employment sector. Participants are provided with:

1. Instruction in Basic Skills Math & English
2. G.E.D. Preparation
3. English as a Second Language
4. Job Search and job retention techniques
5. Resume Preparation
6. MS Windows and Intro to MS Word
7. Career Exploration & Development

Job Search Assistance Program

This program is designed to provide those individuals currently receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Parents (TANF) with information about and experience in navigating the current job market.  Individualized job counseling and placement services will be provided.   Participants will be trained in the following areas:

1. Workplace readiness skills
2. Resume preparation
3. Interview Techniques
4. Networking techniques
5. Self management and time management skills
6. Workplace norms

Participants in this activity have access to the Internet, fax machine, telephone, and other office equipment necessary to conduct a job search.  In addition, the program's staff maintains a listing of current job openings and is in contact with local employers.