In its third year, both the state and its workers contribute to a fund to provide monies for tuition assistance, computer enrichment training, or professional development. Erby is taking classes at night and on weekends to earn the remaining 24 credit hours. It s been a long haul, but it s been very satisfying. One of the sites they modeled their venture after was Illinois Upward Mobility program, in existence for state employees, members of Council 31, since 1989. Kathy Wood, the program s coordinator, said the effort was designed to help employees advance, including across bargaining units, which had been difficult.
Employees take a multi-part test in applying for the certificated positions.
Should they fail to pass certain sections, they re directed to specific courses that will help them gain necessary skills. The arrangement takes into account the skills that employees acquire on the job, Wood notes. For example, a clerical employee who worked with correctional parole agents for years and years took the test for that position. He passed it the first time. The Illinois program provides up to eight hours per week of paid time off to attend classes, Wood says.