The Regional Transportation District (RTD) will introduce a new initiative designed to tap into the power of small business networks to promote workforce development in local communities.
WIN Ambassadors is the newest community outreach effort by RTD’s Workforce Initiative Now, or WIN, a workforce development program that trains people for viable, long-term careers in the transportation and construction industries.
Since its 2011 inception, WIN has garnered the attention of other U.S. public transit agencies seeking to build pipelines of skilled workers—especially from the millennial generation—who are in search of viable, long-term job opportunities.
“This will be a win-win-win situation because it will provide career development opportunities to local residents, promote small businesses, and help us funnel skilled workers into our pipeline of available employees,” said WIN Manager Martell Dyles.
With 58 resource and training partners, WIN to date has served more than 1,000 individuals interested in transportation and general construction careers. Each year, the program enrolls 90 to 120 people, placing 83 percent of them in jobs with a starting average hourly wage of $16.25. About 93 percent of WIN participants remain employed 90 days after leaving the program.
Small companies that become part of the WIN Ambassadors initiative will promote WIN in their communities, help identify potential job training participants, and provide services that could help someone jumpstart a new career. In return, WIN will promote official ambassadors and offer greater opportunities for small business owners to network.
