Programs: WAGES

The Des Moines Metropolitan Transit Authority supports the greater Des Moines community through a JobLink and Job Access Reverse Commute grant. This program links residents seeking employment with employers and support services such as transit, childcare and training needed to achieve self-sufficiency. The main focus of this program is to identify and assist individuals who are 
transitioning from underemployment and unemployment into the 
workforce. 

WAGES
WAGES offers several services to accomplish the goal of linking customers, employers and community resources. 

Training Workshops - for customers, human service agencies and job-readiness coaches on topics central to successful employment such as:

• Employment Applications
• Mock Interview
• Resume Critique
• Attitude Is Everything
• Dress and Appearance
• Interviewing Skills
• Do's and Don'ts at an Interview
• Non-verbal Communications
• Job Search Tips
• Job Retention Skills
• Customer Service

• Mock Interviews - customers can sharpen their interview skills by role-playing with an employer.

• Access to Employers - customers and job-readiness coaches can tap into quality jobs with more than 150 employers.

• Access to Community Resources - customers can secure the support resources necessary to successfully obtain and retain employment.

The Process is Simple-
Agencies
Critical to the success of the program is offering employers qualified job applicants. To achieve this critical mission, agencies must attend a four-hour 
training session that outlines the WAGES process and expectations. Following this training, agencies will begin receiving job leads for their customers and 
training materials to use as a guide in preparing confident job-seekers. Agencies can request additional support assistance when needed. 


Employers
Employers must complete a form detailing the types of jobs their companies will have available, as well as contact information. Once the form is finished, 
employers can begin phoning, faxing or e-mailing job opportunities within their companies to the WAGES program at no charge. These job leads will then be available to qualified WAGES customers.


Customers
WAGES customers must fill out an application outlining their work and educational experience, as well as their work interests. Then a job assessment will be completed to determine job-readiness. If the customer is prepared to enter the workforce, he/she will be provided with job leads and the support services 
needed to successfully gain employment. Those customers who are not prepared to enter the workforce will be provided with training opportunities to improve their job skills before being provided job leads.

Customer Benefits

• Provides support to achieve confidence
• Provides education on the hiring process
• Assists with job-readiness training
• Assists in eliminating barriers
• Increases self-esteem and quality of life
• Controls own destiny and choices
• Provides guidance and resources on successfully securing a career

Community Benefits

• Reduces individuals on public assistance
• Creates stronger families
• Decreases the cycle of generational poverty
• Assists in eliminating transportation barriers
• Reduced unemployment
• Provides education on community resources
• Stabilizes childcare
  

Employer Benefits

• Provides employers with work-ready individuals
• Expands the available labor pool
• Assist in providing reliable transportation
• Promotes Community involvement
• Expands advertising budget
• Strengthens employee productivity and retention
• Provides tax incentives
  

For additional information

WAGES Job Access Director
Des Moines Metropolitan Transit Authority
1100 MTA Lane
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Phone: (515) 283-8131