Specifications include, but are not limited to: Goal #1: To remove barriers to initial and ongoing training and employment of minorities, women and disadvantaged individuals who have been hired as OJTs on federally assisted construction projects, leading to eventual full-time employment in the highway construction industry. Objectives: The NHDOT will strive to accomplish the following: 1) Interview each OJT trainee prior to or at the start of their training and determine what barriers to employment may exist. 2) Provide construction footwear appropriate hand tools and/or equipment necessary for employment to new OJT trainees if needed, as identified in pre-employment interview. Up to 5 trainees may be reimbursed for tools and/or equipment during the funding year. Reimbursement should not exceed $150 per trainee. Requests for reimbursements will be made to the External EEO Coordinator. 3) Interview each OJT trainee at the midpoint of their training to determine if barriers still exist to their ongoing employment and eventual hiring as a permanent full-time employee, and work with the trainee, and/or the contractor on resolving any issues and/or barriers. 4) Provide additional resources to OJT trainees as needed, approved, and on a first come, first served basis until funds are exhausted, with an effort to address said barriers. 5) Conduct a program assessment. 6) Conduct a survey with OJT trainees and contractors upon completion of the training to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the OJT SS Program and suggest improvements. Goal #2: To provide two qualified minorities, women or disadvantaged individuals with tuition assistance for the successful completion of a CDL Class-B driver training course, leading to full time employment in the highway construction industry. The CDL Class-B driver training program will assist up to two individuals with the training cost which is not to exceed $3,000. Qualified applicants will submit their applications to NHDOT and will be interviewed and selected by the External EEO Coordinator. NHDOT employees and/or interns are not qualified to participate in the CDL Class-B drivers training program. Supportive Services Consultant will make every attempt to work with approved schools on implementing a payment plan, and/or on partnering with community stakeholders who may be able to assist with the payment for the training. Payment installments to driving schools will be made by the Supportive Services Consultant who will be reimbursed through monthly invoicing for the program. The OJT Program and the CDL Class-B driver training program will be overseen by the External EEO Coordinator. Objectives: 1) Continue to promote the training to prospective candidates by distributing the information to partners, stakeholders, educational institutions, and other organizations. 2) Continue to recruit up to three qualified individuals for the CDL Class-B driver training program. 3) Continue to partner with other community stakeholders that are interested in assisting with the partial payment for the training. 4) Track the progress of CDL-Class B driver training program candidates and assist when needed. 5) Assist trainees with job placement by contacting highway construction contractors and/or connecting them with agencies that specialize with employment search. 6) Conduct a survey at the end of the training. 7) Track graduates for a minimum of 6 months following completion of the training to the extent possible.
