+ FEDERAL MONEY FOR TRAINING
WIA federal grant training
money to empower the unemployed and underemployed. Call us to get
the scoop. 312.226.8339 Ask about WIA and how can we help you as
a designer or engineer get a job.
DESIGN-ENGINE|EDUCATION has joined the Workforce Investment Act effort to
help the unemployed and underemployed gain career training that
is enabling and empowering in the workplace. We can administer a
three weeks of Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks, Alias Studio, Rhino, or
3d MAX. Or pick and choose. Two weeks of Pro/ENGINEER and a week
of Solidworks.
Due to the slow economy and the large number of
unemployed persons in the United States the federal government has
made certain grant money available for training underemployed. Some
grant money is available for manufacturers training their current
workforce too.
With the certification, Design-engine Education
will teach you three week comprehensive computer aided design software
such as Alias - Maya - Pro/ENGINEER or Solidworks. You don't have
to be unemployed, funding extends to large companies as well. Take
Pro/ENGINEER for example. An engineer gets laid off from a major
manufacture and has 3000 plus hours on Pro/ENGINEER. He/She can
take our three week class with WIA funds to first get acquainted
with Wildfire 2.0 then undergo two weeks of Pro/SURFACE and ISDX
or Mechanica and Pro/NC. With some advanced notice, we will custom
build any course.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions.
I want to take a course, where do I start?
Call 312.226.8339 or email us.
Tell us about yourself and what you are looking to gain. If you
are not sure what you are looking for, let us know, we have a very
diverse array of classes and can tailor to your needs and ability.
We train all abilities and all degrees (from GED to Ph.D.). We are
here to get the training you need to give you a great edge on your
resume. We help with job placement, also. In the past our graduates
have been placed at Harley Davidson, Steelcase, SkillBosh Powertools,
and other various product design firms.
The class that I want to attend has a start date
in seven days. How long does it take to get a voucher and
confirmed for the class?
It takes more than a few days. Don't expect to get a voucher
to start in that short amount of time. Although they are trained
to be progressive, a case worker is trained to help you gain employment.
They may say 'NO' three times before they say yes. It is best to
stay in communication with the Design-engine team during the process.
You don't' have to spell everything out to your case worker however
a little assertiveness does not hurt.
I am from a state other than Illinois, will my local case worker
be able to allocate funds for me to go to Chicago for training?
Currently Design-Engine Education has the WIA grant availability
in Illinois, Minneapolis, Texas, Georgia, Wisconsin and Washington
State and even Toronto, but efforts are being made to make the WIA
available in other states. Please contact Design-Engine if you are
interested in the training and are from another state. If you are
from a State that we are not currently approved in it is only a
little paperwork on our part to gain approval in any state. We even
have several apartments for those from other states.
Should I contact Design-Engine or a caseworker
first?
Contact Design-Engine first. We can discuss
training options and how we might tailor the course to your specific
needs. This way, when you visit a caseworker you can already have
outlined what you want to gain from the training. We will give you
the materials the caseworker will request from you. This should
streamline the process to getting you approved for the Workforce
Investment grant money.
Do I have to be on unemployment to take advantage
of this 'Workforce Investment Act' grant money?
No. Underemployed, dislocated, and unemployed
people are eligible. Just make an appointment with your unemployment
case worker.
What does dislocated mean?
a mechanical engineer working at Menards full time
still accounts for dislocated.
I am a machinist and the entire plant where I work was closed.
Am I eligible for WIA funds?
Yes. This is the main category for acceptance for
WIA funding. Plant closings. Machinists excel at Pro/E and Solidworks
jobs because of their mechanical aptitude and understanding of the
manufacturing process.
I have specific skills I want to acquire in design,
can I take classes to my specific needs?
Custom tailored training for yourself or your company is available.
If you wanted to take a week of Rhino then two weeks of Wildfire
you could pre arrange that with you contact person at Design Engine.
Training can be on or off-site also. For other courses, see our
schedule page. Ask about night training and weekends as well. Night
training is not always published on the web site. Special scheduling
is available. We are as flexible as possible. Currently we have
night training on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 till 10pm.
I have been dealing with a case worker that says
I should receive a voucher soon. Can I start the class without a
voucher?
We have in the past allowed students to start without a voucher
especially if approval looks good. Many times we allow people in
the class on good faith alone. Contact your Design Engine point
person with any questions.
My case worker said my wife made too much
money and I am not eligible for the WIA grant. It is up
to each individual case worker to evaluate each potential candidate
for approval. However, If you articulate your case well and make
it clear to the case worker of your immanent divorce, you can gain
this funding. There is no documentation that disqualifies a potential
recipient of WIA funds because of household income. Some of those
people who have been granted this funding simply would not take
'NO' for an answer and remind persistent.
I am a contractor and my case worker said
I already have a job. Why am I still interested in this voucher
for training? The WIA grant is available to displaced and
underemployed workers. That means if you have a short term temporary
assignment then you are still eligible for this funding. Contracting
is considered a temporary assignment. Treat it as such. Explain
how important it is for you as a contractor that you wish for permanent
employment.
Some suggestions.
1 Do your research on the industry.
2 You might even get onto monster.com to print out what available jobs there are in your industry. This
print out will solidify your defense in making an effective case
that you are entitled to and deserving of the WIA grant and that
having this training will further your career and make you more
employable and able to access a higher wage.
3 Don't take 'NO' from the case worker.
4 keep in contact with the Design Engine representative
Federal Funding is now available to take training
with DESIGN-ENGINE|EDUCATION in Chicago: They are now a WIA Certified training provider (Workforce
Investment Act) recipient for Emergency Grant money. Although you
do not have to be unemployed to take advantage of this Federal Grant
you will have to speak to your local 'Unemployment Case Worker'
for more information.
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