Project ARRIBA is an El Paso-based economic development initiative, incorporated on December 16, 1998, as a public, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. The mission of Project ARRIBA is to provide long-term high skilled training and case management services to eligible El Paso County residents who require the occupational skills necessary to access jobs in hard to fill demand occupations that pay a living wage of at least $11.00 per hour, with benefits and a career path. It is built on the premise that a true employment and training initiative must provide a comprehensive, integrated program of occupational, motivational and workplace skills training.
Project ARRIBA promotes a working partnership between community-based organizations, training institutions and private corporate partners.
Project ARRIBA demonstrates the substantial social and economic benefits that can be achieved for those who otherwise would not have the opportunity. Specifically, Project ARRIBA defines the skills required to succeed in targeted hard-to-fill occupations, and then recruits, trains and develops adults so that they are qualified and ready to fill employer's needs for skilled workers.
Project ARRIBA is a high impact economic development program focusing on high-skill, high-wage jobs. This kind of program is crucial to El Paso because of the dramatic pressures placed on its local and unique economy. In the past, the El Paso economy has relied upon low-wage employment, particularly in the apparel industry. This strategy no longer offers a living wage.
Tens of thousands of El Pasoans who have worked hard and have been loyal to their employers, but have never advanced their education, face the loss of not just their jobs, but of their careers and ways of life. As El Paso manufacturers and healthcare institutions struggle to deliver higher-quality and more responsive services, they create a growing demand for high-skill labor.
Program participants receive career counseling, support services, high quality training, (to include formal motivational and life-skills training), and post-employment assistance designed to promote long-term success.
Project ARRIBA is a workforce development program designed to respond to the needs of El Paso.
It is a reality today because of substantial commitments from private, county, city and state agencies and/or organizations.
The El Paso Interreligious Sponsoring Organization (EPISO) provided the impetus for this program. Their hard work and convincing justification of community need, gained support from the Texas Workforce Commission and key El Paso education and business executives.
EPISO leaders partner with Project ARRIBA in outreach and recruitment to the community in stimulating interest and in promoting Project ARRIBA goals and mission.
Project ARRIBA staff are responsible for evaluation, assessment, and enrollment of qualified, economically disadvantaged El Pasoans and train them for specific jobs.
Unlike other job training programs, the Project ARRIBA process starts with specific occupations needed by local employers, and then working with training institutions to provide training tailored to each employer needs.
The process used to assess prospective participants helps Project ARRIBA evaluate their aptitudes, interests, and attitudes. It is also used to link them with resources designed to promote their overall development. Applicants who are selected for the program receive comprehensive educational and vocational counseling to guide them in their development and skills training and get them ready for quality employment opportunities.
Project ARRIBA will also demonstrate that the interests of our community are best served when business, educational institutions, and community organizations work toward a common goal.
The Project ARRIBA team is ready and able to help the business community of El Paso develop our workforce for tomorrow global marketplace.
Four major goals have been established for Project ARRIBA:
I. To demonstrate that an employer-driven delivery system will increase the number of quality job opportunities for program participants.
II. To demonstrate that a truly excellent job training program will provide workers with the skills they need for long-term employment and higher incomes.
III. To demonstrate that an individual approach can be more cost-effective than traditional, institution-based approaches to service delivery.
IV. To demonstrate that a better skilled, and more productive, workforce will enhance the economic growth and vitality of El Paso.