Work Experience Program

Work Experience Program (WEP)
Since WEP's inception in 1995, Parks' green spaces have undergone a profound change. In 1995, only 76% of New York City's parks and playgrounds passed our inspection for cleanliness and just 38% of our sites passed our inspection for overall conditions. In 1999, those figures rose to 96% for cleanliness ratings and 87% for overall conditions. 5,000 welfare recipients, who work in our parks, playgrounds, and recreation centers in exchange for public assistance benefits contributed greatly to this increase.

Parks Career Training (PACT)
Selected exclusively from the Work Experience Program, PACT participants receive intensive on-the-job training, employment skills counseling, and job placement assistance. Deployed in one of five training areas: clerical, custodial, horticultural, fix-it, and security, PACT participants also attend classroom workshops in computer literacy, graffiti removal, plant identification, pest control, basic electric and plumbing skills, floor care and more. PACT workers receive GED preparation, regular and commercial driver training, New York State 8 hour security certification and First Aid/ CPR certification.

PACT has trained over 5,000 people since 1994; over 2000 of whom have obtained either year-round or seasonal employment. PACT employment specialists and counselors work with participants both one-on-one and in groups to develop their resumes and interview skills. During FY99, the 90-day retention rate for employed participants reached almost 90%, with 85% in the private sector.

Job Assistance Centers (JAC)
Since January 1999, Parks has operated Job Assistance Centers for all interested WEP participants, as part of a new effort to help WEP participants find full time employment. Each center offers workshops in topics like resume writing, interviewing techniques, customer service skills, time management, budgeting, introductory computer skills, and typing. Each center is staffed with a job developer, who works directly with local businesses to place participants in entry-level jobs. Participants have access to the Internet, fax machines, telephones, voicemail boxes, photocopiers, and a wide array of job listings from local newspapers.