FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

9/9/2009

PLEASANTVILLE, NJ --- Individuals who have received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) during the past five (5) years may be eligible for job training benefits under a newly funded State of New Jersey grant entitled, “ADVANCE: Post TANF/Dislocated Worker Grant for Healthcare Careers.”

The grant will pay for job training to help eligible, former TANF recipients residing in Atlantic County obtain certificates and secure employment in the healthcare field as a Certified Nurse Aide, Certified Home Health Aide for individuals working as a CNA, Central Service Technician, Electrocardiogram Technician, Medical Administrative Office Specialist with Internship, Medical Billing and Coding Technician, Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician, and Phlebotomy Technician. According to recent studies, these entry level occupations are in “high demand” in this region and earn an average of $10.50 to $18 per hour.

Eligible participants will be enrolled at The Health Professions Institute operated by Atlantic Cape Community College on the Atlantic City campus. “Programs of study have been chosen based on the needs of local businesses, earnings potential and flexible training schedules that accommodate individuals with families and those who may be working," stated Rhonda Lowery, One Stop Operator for the Atlantic Cape May One Stop Career Centers. “Prior healthcare experience is not required for eligibility, and those who are already working in the field may be eligible to upgrade their skills to further advance their careers."

To be eligible, individuals must have received TANF benefits over the past five (5) years, be unemployed or at risk of becoming unemployed or be considered under-employed as defined by the State of New Jersey. Some programs of study require that the participant successfully pass background and drug tests for enrollment. The costs of child care, transportation and housing are not included in this grant.

This program is funded by the United States Department of Labor (NJLWD), coordinated by the New Jersey State Department of Labor and Workforce Development and the Atlantic Cape May Workforce Investment Board and operated by the Atlantic County One Stop Career Center and Atlantic Cape Community College.

For more information or to determine eligibility, please contact the Atlantic County One Stop Career Center in Pleasantville at (609) 485-0052 extension 240 or visit www.learntrainwork.com.