Business & Tech
Government-funded Training Available for Kragen/O'Reilly Layoffs
Will Recipients of Unemployment Checks Take It?
About 130 people who were laid off by O’Reilly Auto Parts (formerly Kragen) might want to know about some federal money that can help them learn different skills and help increase their chances of employment. But, will they take advantage of the offer?
The Workforce Investment Board (WIB) of Solano County received $466,447 from the state who received funds from the Federal Workforce Investment Act to serve workers who were laid off although all were eligible to receive state unemployment checks. To be better prepared to serve this large group with some valuable cross training, WIB set up office this week inside the Dixon Chamber of Commerce.
“We did this to be a good neighbor to the community and to allow the WIB to have a place to provide assistance to the laid off workers,” said Chamber President Bert Gaulke. He says they will probably share the office at no charge for about six months.
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“The Dixon location was pursued to help get the word out about this grant,” said Todd Holloway, Business Service Representative. “We have a Rapid Response service where we go into businesses that are closing and tell employees about the services we offer. We offer them a ‘Fast Track’ into our program.” According to one source, however, not one individual has contacted WIB to take advantage of the program, yet.
Lorraine Fernandez, Business Services Coordinator reported that the organization said WIB will begin services Wednesday in Dixon from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a job search and networking session after that.
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“We’ll provide services for the affected workers of O’Reilly which includes a complete re-employment program offered at no cost. Our services are funded through the Federal Department of labor,” said Fernandez. “Re-training might include training to become a welder or truck driver or to be certified as a heavy equipment operator, for example.”
The government has built it; now the question is, “Will they come?” What could not be determined was what would happen to the funds if there was not enough demand to use it all. If anyone would like more information, call the WIB’s O’Reilly Auto Parts worker hotline at (707) 863-3556 (English) or (707) 863-3510 (Spanish). The recording says “You should expect a one-week delay before your call is returned.”
