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Georgia Dept. of Labor

May 23rd, 2007 Posted by Amelia

The Georgia Department of Labor Commissioner Michael L. Thurmond has created an innovative training initiative called Georgia Works to bridge the training gap between unemployed workers and employers. In the initiative, an unemployed worker laid off from a previous job and now receiving unemployment insurance (UI) benefits can receive on-the-job training while continuing to receive UI benefits payments. The worker will even receive a special training allowance to help with expenses such as work clothes, tools, transportation, and childcare, which are part of training for, and maintaining, a steady job.

Things are busy around the Peachtree State these days. According to the Georgia Dept. of Labor, healthcare is one of the fastest growing industries in the state.

Eight of the top 20 fastest-growing occupations are in healthcare. The majority of the jobs in this industry require less than four years post-high school education. It is projected that by the year 2014, nearly 20% of new jobs created will be in the healthcare sector. It is obvious to see why so much money is being awarded to train workers with the necessary skills in the healthcare industry.
Nevertheless, the Georgia unemployment rate is approximately 4% but this may be a perfect time for job hunting. The Georgia Works program might be the first place to look for that new job.

Employers in the Georgia unemployment initiative provide up to 24 hours of training per week for as many as eight weeks. At that time the worker will received a training certificate proving new skills and may even land a job. The training period comes at no cost to the employer.

Of the initiative, Thurmond said, “Georgia Works enables businesses to audition potential employees and it helps the unemployed gain access to training and, potentially, new jobs. What this does is create a transitional period between unemployment and employment.”

The Georgia unemployment initiative provides an excellent opportunity for new, small, and expanding businesses to increase their labor force at little cost. Larger, established companies benefit, too, by the minimal training cost expended and reduced tax burden. Enrollment in the program is open to for-profit and non-profit businesses alike.

The trainee benefits from the program with added skills, training, and experience while expanding his or her network of contacts. Participation in the program allows the trainee an opportunity to market his or her skills to a potential new employer while getting the chance to turn the training session into permanent employment.