The Career Pathways Advancement Project (CPAP) is designed for Nebraska VR clients to explore and access opportunities to advance in their employment.
Through a combination of classroom and on-the-job training, clients earn the recognized postsecondary credentials required for advancement within a specific industry. Employers are provided access to a group of potential employees with the required and relevant skills. This project is funded by a five-year grant awarded to Nebraska VR in 2015.
Focused outreach to 1,200 successfully employed Nebraska VR clients from the last three years seeks to upskill/backfill positions within the high demand industries of Information Technology (IT), Manufacturing and Transportation, and Distribution and Logistics (TDL). Nebraska VR's vision is to promote autonomy, stability, and economic self-sufficiency, achieved by assistance to obtain a single, stable, well-paying job with benefits to replace the one (or more) entry-level jobs currently held to make ends meet.
Click on the arrows to reveal the answers to some frequently asked questions.
The Career Pathway Advancement Project (CPAP) Grant provides tuition and fee costs for the following:
Industry Certification - Tuition, fees, books, and supplies are paid at the cost identified by the training institution.
Training Programs for Diploma, AAS, BS, MS, PhD - The cost of tuition and fees are paid at the Nebraska public college or university rate. Private and out-of-state tuition are also paid at the Nebraska public college rate. The cost of books and supplies can also be paid.
Career Pathway Advancement Project participants are offered assistance in covering their transportation costs to attend training or are offered a stipend to cover additional training costs.
Participants who choose to receive a stipend will receive $250.00 after attending the first day of class.
Upon completion of industry certifications, participants are paid another $250.00 once a copy of the certification is shared with the Career Pathway Recruiter.
Participants training for diploma programs receive $375.00 after each completed 12 credit hours as identified by grade transcripts.
Please note there are also opportunities to pursue self-employment goals. Financial assistance is dependent on recommendations from Nebraska VR staff and self-employment loan availability.
This is an opportunity to retain key talent. Investing in employees is a great way to retain employees in the future and improve morale.
Nebraska VR's vision is to promote autonomy, stability, and economic self-sufficiency, achieved by assistance to obtain a single, stable, well-paying job with benefits to replace the one (or more) entry-level jobs currently held to make ends meet.
Contact a Career Pathways Recruiter
Career Pathway Recruiters (CPRs) will be working with eligible VR clients. The CPRs help these individuals access a variety of supports in order to assist in advancement. CPAP services include funding college education, funding training/certificate programs, paid on-the-job training for career progressions, and facilitating increased access to technology and benefits planning. These individuals will be monitored and provided with services throughout the duration of their education or training. CPR staff will also follow up with advanced workers and their employer for a minimum of 90 days after their advancement to ensure client and employer satisfaction.
The Pathway to Employment Video Series is designed to de-mystify the many services provided to clients and businesses while highlighting the innovation that is the culture of Nebraska VR. While certainly each story is either one of progress towards an employment goal or a client's employment goal success, they are also stories about the important role played by staff members, businesses, ATP, Easter Seals, Project SEARCH, and others. Go to: vr.nebraska.gov/videos/
Statewide Supervisor
Janet Drudik / Project Director
Phone: 402-484-1908
Email: janet.drudik@nebraska.gov