[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 120 (Wednesday, September 29, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1728-E1729]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING CENTER FOR TRAINING AND CAREERS' WOMEN EMPOWERED TO MOVE AHEAD 
                                PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 28, 2004

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Center for 
Training and Careers (CTC) of San Jose for establishing the Women 
Empowered to Move Ahead (WEMA) collaborative program.
  WEMA was created by CTC when they were approached by Pacific Gas & 
Electric (PG&E) to help train women for the Utility Worker and 
Apprentice Lineman divisions. At that time PG&E did not have any women 
in those positions. With CTC's extensive experience designing non-
traditional programs for under-employed and unemployed women, a program 
was developed that focused the curriculum on the employment process of 
PG&E.
  Students received 325 hours of instruction over a 13-week period, and 
special support services were provided for the participants. WEMA also 
met the requirements of the Silicon Valley Workforce Investment Network 
(SVWIN) that emphasize programs that respond to the special needs of 
the employer community. SVWIN committed Workforce Investment Act funds 
and provided referrals through its One Stop Employment Centers.

[[Page E1729]]

  I am proud of the caring staff whose dedication has built the WEMA 
program. Because of their hard work, many women in San Jose will have a 
better and more optimistic future. I thank the CTC for their valuable 
service to our community.

                          ____________________