Mother Lode Region, CA…Mother Lode Job Training (MLJT) has been awarded a $350,000 grant to establish services that will improve job opportunities for people with disabilities. Funding for this grant, which ends in March 2023, was provided through discretionary funds made available to Governor Gavin Newsom in accordance with the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and administered by the EDD and the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency.

People with disabilities can receive employment and training services, while emphasizing the use of distance learning and other technology-based methods to deliver services. MLJT will work with local businesses and industry leaders to develop work-based learning programs to help participants obtain and retain employment leading to a living wage. MLJT will also provide training needed to fill positions in local, high-growth industries such as construction, natural resources, and technology. This grant will also be used to provide and train peer mentors to help participants achieve success.

Additional career services provided by the grant will include: vocational assessments, career counseling, technical skills training, industry recognized certificate programs, paid work experience, on-the-job training, and job placement assistance. To help ensure participant success, supportive services such as access to technology to facilitate distance learning, temporary housing assistance, childcare, and work appropriate clothing will be provided.

“This grant will increase employment equity for people with disabilities. Mother Lode Job Training is very excited to bring this opportunity to the region!”, said Executive Director Dave Thoeny.

Individuals who are interested in receiving assistance or have questions about eligibility should contact our main office at (209) 533-3396 or visit www.mljt.org/contact to find their nearest job center.

Since 1983, Mother Lode Job Training has been providing no-cost services for job seekers and employers through one-stop job centers located in Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa and Tuolumne counties.