workforce connection Update from CareerSource Gulf Coast by: Kim Bodine, Executive Director, CareerSource Gulf Coast
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s I consider 2021, I think of the phrase “new year, new opportunities”. After all our community endured in 2020, with residual Hurricane Michael damage and the impact of COVID-19, it is more important than ever before to enter the new year with optimism and anticipation for great things to come. As this applies to our current workforce situation, we have many employers hiring within our region. Hiring has been consistent during the pandemic with many able to recall the sight of “help wanted” signs on more storefronts than not. We appear to be moving in a direction that would continue that trend. Additionally, regional data projects job growth in the following industries: computer systems/related services, healthcare services, financial services, real estate, educational services, and floral services. This means there should be many opportunities available for job seekers who are interested in transitioning into a great career. For some this may require additional skills training; however, acquiring the necessary skills and training can result in secure, well-paid employment opportunities. To aid with this effort, CareerSource Gulf Coast has partnered with Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) to offer employment services for students completing GCSC rapid credentialing courses. Utilizing CARES Act dollars, GCSC is offering workforce/career and technical education credentialing and certificate programs for individuals who have found themselves unemployed, underemployed or furloughed due to the pandemic. CareerSource Gulf Coast is offering scholarships for this training to cover a portion of the tuition costs for eligible participants. Once individuals complete training, our team will also provide job placement and career management services.
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BAY B I Z / W I N T E R 2021
CareerSource Gulf Coast is also implementing an internship program for dislocated and economically disadvantaged workers who may be eligible for internships. Eligible job seekers will receive 12-weeks of in-demand paid job training in local industries. Through this program, we are aiming to help adult individuals (not just recent-graduates or young adults) receive employability training with the ultimate goal of a permanent job position with their internship employer. This will help employers offset their cost of hiring an employee who needs training to be a part of their permanent workforce. The 34th annual Bay County Job Fair took place on Thursday, February 4, 2021. This year’s event will was virtual, which is a new and exciting medium for recruitment and hiring events in our area. The Bay County Job Fair is the largest job fair in the county. Having a virtual event allowed us to host an unlimited number of employers and job seekers without running a risk of exposing everyone to COVID-19. We were excited to navigate this new terrain! If you would like more information on our services, upcoming events, programs, or how we can help you achieve your goals for 2021, I encourage you to contact our team. We have 365 days, 365 new opportunities. What will you do in 2021? CareerSource Gulf Coast operates offices in Bay, Gulf and Franklin Counties. To connect with the office nearest you, please visit our website at careersourcegc.com, or contact us at customerservice@careersourcegc.com.
