Smoke signals., October 15, 2008, Page 15, Image 15

Smoke Signals 15
OCTOBER 15, 2008
Workshop classes in Grand Ronde
Nov. 18 Advanced Excel.
Dec. 9 Intermediate Microsoft Outlook (must be a Tribal employee
with access to Outlook).
The workshops will be taught by Northwest Computer Learning Center
and will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the computer lab in the Adult Educa
tion Building.
Cost for a workshop is $150 and eligible Tribal members can apply to
the Noncredit Program (formally Short Term Training) for assistance with
registration costs. Space is limited to the first 15 who register.
To register, contact Joshua Clift, Adult Vocational Training Coordinator,
at 503-879-1635 or e-mailjoshua.cliftgrandronde.org.
LIBRARY HOURS:
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
(closed Monday - Friday: noon - 1 p.m.)
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
CHAUNCEY JIMERSON
"From GED Graduate to Electrical Apprentice"
It all started in 1997 when Chauncey
Jimerson had attended a pre-apprenctic-eship
program at Portland Commmunity
College called, "Building Futures in In
dustry and Trade." Jimerson had worked
in the construction trades for years as a
general laborer and decided it was time
for a change. This was an opportunity he
was not going to pass up. In this program,
it allowed him to gain more experience
in the construction trade and a chance I I
at someday getting into a full electrical I I
apprenticeship program. He also learned '
about prerequisites needed for most apprenticeship programs which
included such things as a GED and placement test scores of Math 65
or higher at Portland Community College, both of which he didn't
have. It was then and there that he decided he was going to pursue
his GED completion.
In order to do that and the entire process toward getting admit
ted to an electrical apprenticeship program, he knew he needed
mentors and therefore made it a point to stop by the Confederated
Tribes of Grand Ronde Portland Area Office. It was there that he
met mentors that would show him the way. Some of these mentors
included Joanne Carr, GED Instructor, Chris Garcia, Employment
and Training Specialist, and Penny Painter, Workforce Development
Specialist for Cooper Zietz Engineering. Each one of his mentors
played a different role in assisting Jimerson with his final admittance
into an electrical apprenticeship program.
He had heard of the electrical apprenticeship program at Area One
Inside Electrical JATC in Portland and decided to apply. As it turned
out he had preference points for completing a pre-apprenticeship
program and had already taken Math 60, a program requirement. It
was no easy task, as he needed 10 references to apply to the program,
but Jimerson was up for the challenge. He worked hard at getting
the references and it paid off. He was admitted.
The starting wage for the four-year electrical apprenticeship
program was $11.60hour. Every six months there was a 3 percent
increase. According to Jimerson, "You literally 'earn while you learn'
in this program. The wage tops out around $28.60hour. It's great
for nontraditional students that already have families that they are
supporting because apprentices start work Monday through Friday
around 8 a.m. and are home around 5 p.m. each night. In addition
to that, you only have to attend class once a week at night."
When asked what advice Jimerson had for someone looking at
going into this field, he explained, "One should get his or her math
skills up and be willing to work hard." Jimerson's plana are to get
better at the trade and diversify into industrialcommercial and
residential settings. Along with working Jimerson enjoys dirt bik
ing, camping and attending church with his family. He wanted to
give special thanks to his wife, Samantha; three children. Spencer,
10, Tyler, 9, and Deon, 5; mother, Betty Kumpula; and the Garner
Electric Team for their continual support in starting and completing
this apprenticeship program. "It wouldn't have been possible without
them," states Jimerson.
Jimerson also wanted to make sure to include the contact infor
mation for Area One Inside Electrical JATC in case anyone was
interested in applying for an apprenticeship program in the future.
The contact information is:
Area One Inside Electrical JATC
6915 N.E. 42nd Ave.
Portland, OR 97218
503-459 4056
infoarealjatc.com
AppcreimttDceslhiDps &
VocatioDDaD Programs
Many people are intimidated by the thought of attending college for four
or more years. While a four-year college may be the perfect fit for some
people, others may not want a career that requires a four-year degree or
they may be unable to spend the necessary 4-5 years of schooling with life
and family happening in the meantime. It is extremely important that, if
you are one of these prospective students, you do not become intimidated
by the process or lose sight of your ambitions. There is a wide range and
variety of Vocational Associate Degrees, Vocational Certificates and
Apprenticeship Programs available that provide alternatives to a more
traditional college experience.
Vocational Degrees and Certificates are available at nearly every com
munity college, state technical college and state vocational institute. Grand
Ronde Tribal members have access to two Higher Education programs that
can assist students with expenses. One, called the Associate Vocational
Program, is a needs-based funding program that can assist with tuition,
books, supplies, rent, food, transportation, child care and personal expenses
up to a maximum of $3,000 per quarter (to a maximum of $9,000 per school
year) for full-time students pursuing a Vocational Degree or Certificate at
one of the above institutions.
The other program available to Grand Ronde Tribal members is called the
Part Time College Program. This program is for students attending school
on a part-time basis for college credit Vocational Degrees or Certificates.
The Part Time College Program provides direct funding to the school of
up to $1,000 per quarter for tuition, fees, books and supplies.
Vocational Associate Degrees often take anywhere from 18 to 27 months
to complete. Some examples include: Agribusiness, Automotive Technology,
Criminal Justice, Emergency Medical TechnicianParamedic, Fire Protec
tion Technology, Fisheries Technology, Natural Resources Technology,
Nursing, Office Technology and Wastewater Technology.
Vocational Certificates typically range from three to 15 months to
complete. Some examples of Vocational Certificates include: Accounting,
Business Technology, Dental Assisting, Early Childhood Education, Event
Management, Juvenile Corrections, Machine Tools Operations, Medical
Office Assisting, Pharmacy Technician, Retail Management, Vineyard
Management and Welding Technology.
Another potential path to a rewarding career is through an apprentice
ship program. Apprenticeship programs are incredibly diverse and offer
an even more nontraditional route for students to obtain a skill set for a
specialized trade that will provide a respectable wage and a stable career.
Many apprenticeship programs offer the chance to learn on-the-job training
and skills while working in the field and obtaining a working wage.
In the Tribal Higher Education Department there is a program called
the Noncredit Program which can provide direct funding to the apprentice
ship institute of up to $500 per quarter for tuition and required books and
supplies expenses. In many cases the out-of-pocket educational expenses
of an apprenticeship program are such that the Noncredit Program is
able to provide most, if not all, of the required educational funding for
the classroom training.
The funding provided through the Noncredit Program allows the student
to work and learn in a career field while reducing the economic impact of
the education on the student.
Some examples of apprenticeship programs include: Carpenters, Elec
tricians, Ironworkers, Linemen, Masons, Plumbers and Tile Setters. For
additional information please check out:
In Oregon: www.oregon.govBOLIATDindex.
In Washington: www.lni.wn.govTradeitLicensingApprcnticeship
For information on Tribal programs, contact us at 1-800-422-0232: De
nise 1 larvey, Tribal Mcntorship & Workforce Development Coordinator, at
ext. 2112; Trinity Minahnn, Academic Adviser, at ext. 1478; Joshun Clift,
Associate Vocational & Noncredit Program Coordinator, at ext. 1635; or
John Harp, Part Time College Program Coordinator, at ext. 4591
Remember, there are many paths to a fulfilling and rewarding future.