In program year 2008, WorkLink Workforce Investment Board coped with a changing economy that doubled the number and frequency of customer visits to the OneStops. In response, we established policy guidelines and priority of services, implemented strategic partnerships to strengthen the workforce system, and planned ahead to ensure that the available services meet the needs of the local area. Our efforts to connect employers and employees continue in the 2009 program year.

Business Services
Since July 2009, WorkLink has signed Incumbent Worker Training agreements utilizing more than $300,000 to upgrade the skills of more than 200 incumbent workers in Anderson, Oconee and Pickens counties. On-the-Job Training (OJT), a counterpart program for new employees, aims to place adults and dislocated workers in jobs throughout the region. Since July 2009, 74 individuals, several of which were taken off unemployment insurance, have found work through the program. In PY2008, OJT increased 327 percent, from 77 placements in PY2007 to 329 new placements in PY2008, with a 77.3 percent completion rate. The Incumbent Worker Training program has increased industry awareness to over 1.3 million dollars in application requests for PY2009.

Summer Youth Employment Program
The Summer Youth Employment Program, sponsored by WorkLink, transformed school this summer by coupling work-readiness classes with work experience and opportunities for credit recovery for 514 youth. Several participants worked in the school systems, performing clerical or custodial duties that readied schools for the upcoming year, while others ventured out to a greenhouse and local farms. The four- to six-week program was funded through the American Recovery Reinvestment Act and grants from the South Carolina Department of Education.

Youth Forum
On June 24, 2009, WorkLink and the United Way of Anderson County hosted a Youth Forum at Anderson Civic Center. The forum for educators and community service providers featured a “Train the Trainer” series, where community experts provided insights into effectively interacting with and training school-age youth. Jose Garcia, president and CEO of B2E-Mobile Financial Services, gave a lecture on “Optimizing the Relationships between Business and Education.” Greg Linke, director of program development for the Youth Learning Institute at Clemson University, answered the question “Millennials: Who are these Kids?” Keynote speaker, Ruby Payne, Ph.D., presented a seminar based on her book, Bridges Out of Poverty: Strategies for Professionals and Communities. In total, the sessions offered lessons in communicating with children and adults in poverty, speaking the language of another generation, and helping students become more competitive in the job market.

Job Fair
The Job Fair held April 28, 2009 at the Fusion Warehouse was a resounding success with more than 1,800 participants coming through the doors seeking employment and training opportunities. Job seekers from all ages – 16 to retirees – visited the 58 booths that included service providers, industry, staffing agencies, hospitals, home care services, trucking firms, insurance and many others. Ten jobs were offered the day of the event, with 100-200 anticipated in the next three to six months following the job fair. Exhibitors and participants alike expressed appreciation for the well-organized event.

Workforce Development Alliance Symposium
More than 85 public and private professionals gathered for the inaugural Workforce Development Alliance Breakfast held April 16 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Anderson. Panelists discussed their organizations and how they impact economic and workforce development in the region. Specific topics included collaboration among area businesses and government to improve the workforce and job seekers’ training and job opportunities as well as an overview of the economic development and workforce development services available in the region. Elisabeth Kovacs from the South Carolina Department of Commerce served as the keynote speaker.
Click here for information regarding the Workforce Development Alliance.