The District of Columbia Department of Transportation announces that DC residents may apply next week for enrollment to DDOT's Progressive Partners' Program (PPP) - a comprehensive pre-employment/pre-apprenticeship training program for highway construction jobs.

WHAT: Apply for pre-employment/pre-apprenticeship training for highway construction jobs for DC residents.

WHEN: 9 am, Monday, November 10, 2003.

WHERE: 600 W St., NE (walking distance from the Red Line Rhode Island Ave. Metro Station).

CALL: (202) 238-4710 to pre-register (required).

All applicants must 1) pre-register to attend 2) be interested in highway construction jobs, 3) submit to a physical and drug-screening test and 4) have proof of residency and a current police clearance.

The Progressive Partners' Program is a comprehensive 16-week pre-employment/pre-apprenticeship training program for highway construction jobs. Women, minorities, TANF recipients, and unemployed DC residents are encouraged to apply. Services include assistance with housing, health care, childcare, transportation and job placement. DDOT's Progressive Partners' Program is supported by a $170,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration and is administered by the United Planning Organization (UPO), in partnership with the Center for Empowerment and Employment Training (CEET) in Washington, DC.

For more information applicants may call: UPO (202) 238-4710 or DDOT (202) 671-3494.