Job Training Funds Available for the Long Term Unemployed

News Release                                 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2012

Media Contact:          
Dan Boss, Program Publicity Specialist
231-929-5047
danboss@nwm.cog.mi.us

 

Job Training Funds Available for the Long Term Unemployed

 

NORTHWEST, MI –A special limited time program will help pay the job training costs for some northern Michigan residents who have been out of work for an extended period of time. On-the-Job Training for the Long Term Unemployed is being offered by Northwest Michigan Works!, a program of the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments (NWMCOG).

Noel Zocharski used the On-the-Job Training program when she started a new job at Antrim Machine in Mancelona. "The program helped me get back to work," said Zocharski. "It allowed me to enter a new industry with less risk to my employer."

On-the-Job Training teaches job-specific skills under the close supervision and guidance of a business. The trainee is hired for a permanent position, and learns while performing the job duties. The employer is reimbursed a portion of the worker’s wages during the training period. “It’s a win-win for the business and the job seeker,” said Janie McNabb, director of program development & community relations at NWMCOG.

Individuals who were laid off from their previous job, and have been unemployed for 16 weeks or more in the last two years might qualify for the program. Northwest Michigan Works! conducts screening and assessment for the program.

Informational orientation sessions about On-the-Job Training for the Long Term Unemployed will be held December 18 in Cadillac, December 19 in Petoskey, and December 20 in Traverse City. The orientation sessions will run from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and will be held at the Northwest Michigan Works! Service Centers in each of the three communities.

• Cadillac Service Center, 401 Lake St., Suite 700
• Petoskey Service Center, 2225 Summit Park Dr.
• Traverse City Service Center, 1209 South Garfield

The orientation sessions will provide an overview of the program and include pre-screening interviews. Those who are interested should pre-register by calling Emily at the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments, 800-692-7774. Those who attend the sessions should bring a current copy of their résumé and dress for an interview.

Employers who are interested in the program should call their local Northwest Michigan Works! Business Liaison. Visit www.nwm.org/business-liaisons for a list of contacts.

 

 

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