Nevada banks finding new employees through welfare-to-work programs

Phil Levine

Tuesday, June 13, 2000 | 11:10 a.m.

Nevada's unemployment rate is at its lowest level in three decades, as employers large and small scramble to find qualified employees.

Against that backdrop, some of Nevada's largest banks are combining altruism with practical business necessity and tapping into alternative sources for personnel.

Bank of America, Wells Fargo & Co. and U.S. Bancorp. are partnering with an array of social agencies in the recruiting, training, and development of new employees.

"The fact is that due to our size, we can provide workers with a wide range of potential (employment) opportunities," said Kevin Pierce, direct banking recruiter for B of A Nevada.

"Whether in processing (payments), or answering calls and providing information at our call center, we can offer new employees a variety of opportunities."

Pierce said B of A's social agency partners include Nevada Business Services, Nevada Business Partners and the Nevada Vocational and Rehabilitation Center.

B of A's Nevada program is part of the bank's nationwide effort that provides training -- and ultimately employment -- for former welfare recipients.

Susan Nelson, Wells Fargo's regional human resources manager, said her bank attempts to do more than just provide entry level opportunities for employees hired through outreach agencies.

"We believe we would be doing a disservice to people if we just brought them in to permanently stay in entry level positions," said Nelson.

"If they choose to, we want them to have the option of pursuing a growing career with us."

To that end, Nelson said Wells offers a 17-week career development program, which she describes as a "soup to nuts" combination of professional training and mentoring.

Wells taps several sources for its training and development initiative, including Nevada Business Partners. Another source for new employees is Wells' outreach center, located inside the bank's branch at the intersection of Charleston Boulevard and 17th Street.

"We don't always seek out former social assistance recipients, but try partnering with various organizations," said Nelson. "Our biggest challenge is simply to find good employees who fit the job openings we have available."

A referral from the Latin Chamber of Commerce helped pave the way for a new banking career for Debra Alvarado.

"I had some experience in banking before I signed up for the (Wells Fargo) course," she said. "In fact, I had five years in banking, working as a teller before I started this position. I liked banking a lot, except for the salary I made.

"But the computer and other related training I've received through this program has helped me set some long-term goals (in banking). I now hope to one day become a branch manager."

At Bank of America, Sharon Nedd is currently in her second year as a senior clerk in the bank's check processing department.

Initially referred to B of A through Nevada Partners, Nedd says her prior employment history had little to do with banking or finance.

"My background was really in the clerical and secretarial areas," she said. "(Before my training) the only (professional) thing I was familiar with was working on a computer."

As she plans her future career, Nedd envisions herself playing a bigger role in B of A's Southern Nevada operations.

"Now, I can really see myself growing within the banking industry," she said. "The training I am getting in this job is broadening my skills, and I hope to be able to use them more in the future."

Nedd says she considers herself a textbook example of how the welfare-to-work program should function.

"After moving back to Las Vegas, I briefly went on welfare for the first time in my life," she said.

"Nevada Partners referred me to the bank, and I thought this was a great opportunity to get back into the workforce and learn new skills."

She is convinced that her economic background prior to arriving at B of A matters far less than her desire to be a success.

"If you show potential, and a willingness to learn, you can succeed," Nedd said. "But they can't make you show an interest in your job, that has to come from you."

For its part, U.S. Bank says it promotes the concept of welfare-to-work through "economic opportunity" grants targeting low-to-moderate income adults.

Las Vegas-based organizations supported by grants from U.S. Bank include Nevada Microenterprise Initiative, an organization that helps low-to-moderate income earners become entreprenuers; and Nevada Partners, for its Career Quest employment training program.

Wells Fargo, B of A and U.S. Bank are also part of a joint venture program first unveiled last fall targeting welfare-to-work recipients in Northern Nevada.

The initiative, offering Individual Development Accounts, was first introduced in September by the consortium of banks and non-profit organizations.

It was made possible by a seed grant of $253,000 from the state's discretionary welfare-to-work funds, and allows for a four-to-one match of Individual Development Accounts' savings.

IDA accounts are savings accounts established by individuals for specific purposes such as starting a business, buying a home or continuing education.

The welfare-to-work IDA accounts are designed specifically for former welfare recipients; the program expanded into Southern Nevada in February.

Once the purpose of the IDA account is established, participants have their savings dollars matched -- at varying rates -- by third parties to a total of $9,000 per account.

A recent study sponsored by Washington University's Center for Social Development, found that typical IDA members save an average of $33 of their earnings per month; with matching funds, those savings quickly grew into the hundreds of dollars per year.

Still, Nedd, 39, is convinced that no program -- no matter how well-intentioned -- can replace hard work and self-determination.

"Truthfully, it was a real challenge at my age for me to start into a new career," she said.

"Before I began here, I was on welfare for a short time for the very first time in my life. Before that happened, I could never have imagined doing that. But now, with this job, I have the opportunity to grow into a new career."