Monticello — With unemployment rising into the double digits around the Lake
Cumber-land area, the Lake Cumber-land Community Action Agency is launching
a new program that is aimed at helping people train and find jobs.
The Job Opportunities and Business Services Program (JOBS) is geared at
helping the unemployed or those who are underemployed. Local businesses will
also gain from the program, which is designed to offer technical courses and
certification or on the job training free of charge to low income qualified
individuals.
Individuals who participate will receive services at no cost and may be
eligible for funding designed to assist in achieving educational and
employment goals. Oppor-tunities for fields of studies include: Hospitality
Training Program; A+ Computer Operating Systems; Dream-weaver CS3 Basic Web
Page Design; Office Technology Program; and State Registered Nurse Aid
(SRNA). There is also money available to help with the cost of gas and
books.
"Our plan is to bring the classes into the community to make it more
convenient for participants," said Candy Groce, JOBS Specialist with the
Lake Cumberland Community Action Agency.
Participants can also choose to do on-the-job training for employers who
are participating in the program. Employers benefit by hiring someone with
the JOBS Program in a number of ways. The program will reimburse the
employer up to 520 hours at $7.25 per hour for participants who are training
through the JOBS Program.
Businesses who participate are also eligible to receive about 96 hours
of job shadowing reimbursement at $7.25 per hour. Groce said there are local
businesses who have expressed an interest in participating and they are
continuing to look for even more opportunities in the community.
There are income guidelines for individuals who participate in the
program. For example, a family of four can make $3,600 a month and still
qualify for the program.
"The goal of this program is sustainable employment," said Groce.
Anyone who would like more information about the JOBS Program should
contact Groce at (606) 687-0245 or by e-mail at candy-groce@lc-caa.org.