Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird met with local union and labor officials Thursday, capping off a week focused on workforce development by announcing a new program aimed at helping Lincoln’s underemployed residents.
The Future-Ready Workforce Initiative, financed by $1.3 million in interest accrued on American Rescue Plan Act funds, will provide scholarships for high-demand careers, like electricians; heating, ventilation, air conditioning technicians (HVAC), and automotive service technicians.
The program intends to prioritize individuals facing barriers to employment and residents seeking to enhance their job opportunities or make a career change. Funds will also be used to help job seekers overcome financial barriers to employment by providing assistance with expenses like gas money, child or elder care, uniforms, and tools.
“This initiative positions Lincoln to lead the region in building a high-demand, high-wage, and high-skill ‘future-ready’ workforce,” said Mayor Gaylor Baird.
Numerous organizations are coming together to carry out this initiative. Training programs for electrical technicians, automotive technicians, heating, ventilation, air conditioning technicians are being offered by Southeast Community College (SCC). The American Job Center will provide case management for participants. Electrician apprenticeships and journeymen training programs will be available through The International Brotherhood Electrical Workers (IBEW) – Local 265.
“This initiative offers a chance for our residents to build skills, earn good wages, and fill jobs that keep our city running,” said Dylan Wren, a city workforce administrator, estimating there’s about 300 open jobs available for electricians, HVAC, and auto technicians in Lincoln.
Roy Lamb, an IBEW Local 265 member and training director said the demand for electricians nationally is projected to grow at 11% annually over the next 10 years.
“The need for skilled labor has never been higher,” Lamb said. “Training to become an electrician is an excellent way to get into a satisfying, high-paying career in a relatively short period of time.”
“I believe we have a responsibility to provide access to good-paying jobs, effective training programs, and support resources that help our community members overcome barriers to employment,” said City Council Chair Sändra Washington. “I believe the Future-Ready Workforce Initiative checks all three of those boxes.”
This initiative book ends Gaylor Baird’s proclaimed Workforce Week, where each day she highlighted workforce investments made by her administration.
To sign up for a Future-Ready Workforce Initiative orientation, visit lincoln.ne.gov/FutureReady, or contact the American Job Center, 1330 “N” St., at 402-441-1640 or ajc@lincoln.ne.gov.