- Provide the means by which the capabilities of participants are increased to the fullest extent possible.
- Provide employees with an opportunity to enter bridge positions or the competitive service through planned on-the-job and formal training.
- Increase employee morale.
- Enhance employee growth, career development and opportunities.
Critical to the success of the program is the identification of appropriate target positions. To identify suitable positions, it is necessary to analyze the skills of current employees, review current and anticipated position vacancies, and determine which positions could be restructured into bridge positions. This is a combined effort between personnel and management officials.
Selected positions are restructured to the entry or intermediate grade levels with an identified final target grade. Selection for placement into a UMP position is accomplished through competitive procedures. Normally, candidates are required to meet basic qualifications for the entry grade.
The UMP is an integral part of the Affirmative Employment Program and serves as one vehicle for placement of women, minorities, and people with handicapping conditions into positions where underrepresentation exists.