PARTICIPANTS RECOGNIZING INDEPENDENCE THROUGH DETERMINATION AND EMPLOYMENT (PRIDE) PROGRAM

In September 2004 the Gila-Pinal Workforce Investment Board and the CAAG/WIA program received a grant from the State of Arizona WIA discretionary set-aside funds, in the amount of $114,511.  Funds from the grant are being utilized to train individuals interested in a career in the medical field.  All participants are co-enrolled in the JOBS and WIA programs.  Participants receive support services and intensive case management during their training helping to ensure their success. 

The PRIDE (Participants Recognizing Independence through Determination and Employment) Program has proven to be a great success and that success is due to the public/private partnerships involved.  Partners in the project are Casa Grande Regional Medical Center (CGRMC), ADES Jobs Program, Gila-Pinal Workforce Investment Board and the CAAG/WIA Department.

Participants receive ten weeks of training at CGRMC and four weeks of a paid work experience at the end of their training.  The on-the-job training of participants began in December 2004 with the following results:

• The first group consisted of 8 participants with 6 completing training and graduating on February 17
• The second group consisted of 8 participants with 6 completing training and graduating on June 2
• The third group consisted of 9 participants with 6 completing training and graduating on August 11.

 

A graduation ceremony is held for each class commemorating the occasion and honoring the graduates and partners.   Each ceremony has had several local dignitaries attending as well as several state level representatives from the Arizona Department of Economic Security. 

All graduates have received full-time employment offers from CGRMC.  This is a wonderful training opportunity for participants in our rural area and we look forward to expanding the program in Globe-Miami, Payson, and Apache Junction.