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                          JeffNEWS, August 1, 1995
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TERTAP Program Provides Job Skills
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Thanks to dedicated efforts by staff from the department of biomedical 
instrumentation, 29 Philadelphia residents have received job skills training 
designed to deliver their independence from public assistance.

Funded by the Ben Franklin Partnership, the Job Link program is part of 
TERTAP - Training for Equipment Repair Technician Assistant Program. TERTAP 
provides opportunity for welfare-dependent Philadelphia residents to enhance 
their skills for employment with home healthcare companies maintaining 
medical equipment.

Following 12 weeks of basic education given by retired schoolteachers, 
Jefferson's biomedical staff members, along with staff of MEDIQ/PRN, a New 
Jersey-based company, provided technical expertise for the trainees. A job 
placement program began after a formal graduation ceremony in June at 
Jefferson Alumni Hall.

Says Ira S. Tackel, the department director, "The Job Link and TERTAP 
program is a good example of Jefferson furthering our mission, in this case 
by reaching out to the community to provide a meaningful service for 
citizens." 

Since the program compensates Jefferson for staff time, there is no cost to 
the institution, he points out.

Most of the program participants were women in their late 20s or early 30s, 
although ages ranged from 23 to women in their 50s, Mr. Tackel adds.


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Information provided by:  Editor, JeffNEWS
                          (215) 955-6204
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