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Show are reduced. Increased female representation on PICs is necessary to assure that the special needs of women such as remedial and comnunication skills trining and child care are included in training programs. The lack of support services may severely hamper the participation of low income and single parents. The low level entry wages are a problem. In 1984 the poverty level for a family of four was calculated as a yearly income of $10,609. The poverty level for a family of three which is the average size of Utah family receiving AFDC was $8,277. At an average of $4.96 per hour entry wage in the Salt Lake-Tooele SDA, a wage earner might expect a yearly income of $10,316. The national League survey focused on seven areas of the greatest concern to women. The questions asked in the national survey and the revelant answers from the Salt Lake-Tooele Service Delivery area are listed below. 1. Are women adequately represented on PICS? Seven out of the 25 members on the PIC are women. 2. Is money provided for support services? This local SDA spends about 10 per cent rather than the allowed 15 per cent on support services. 3. What types of services are provided? Child care and transportation are provided. 4. What is the starting salary of participants upon completion of the program? The average placement salary is $4.96 per hour. 5. What is the percentage of women participating in the program? Sixty-one per cent of the program participants are women. 6. Are women placed in non-traditional jobs? Yes. However, at the present time, according to Sandra Feldt, Associate Director of the Salt Lake County Division of Job Training, it is difficult to place women in non-traditional jobs when there is high unemployment among men. 7. What percentage of participants are AFOC recipients? Thirty per cent are welfare mothers. Also, the state has provided funds to train an additional 240 mothers. In a telephone interview, Ms. Feldt noted that more women than men are chosing job training. The program allows for up to two years for job training. In some cases women will earn an associate degree; and in other cases where training will lead to a job in demand, the program will fund the completion of a university degree. One of the other innovative programs has been the development of an entrepreneur's center where women can receive counseling about starting their own businesses. The center, funded by a grant from the American Management Association, has counseled 183 individuals; 52 individuals have completed the training, and 16 • businesses providing 58 jobs have been started. Most of the contracts awarded are perforrnanced based, that is the money is awarded on placements and retention. About 70 per cent of the -3- |
