A free, step-by-step job readiness training program for underemployed or unemployed residents returns June 8 at YES Cinema, 328 Jackson St. in downtown Columbus.
Due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, all participants will be required to wear a mask, and the facility will be thoroughly cleaned beforehand and during the training, according to organizers. Deadline for sign-up is 5 p.m. June 3.
Bartholomew County Works, a six-year-old program operated by Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center, canceled its April and May trainings because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to maintain proper social distancing in the Sarla Kalsi Conference Room, participation in the upcoming session will be limited to six people — about the average number of trainees for most recent workshops.
Meetings will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 8 through 12. To register, call the Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center at (812) 379-1630.
The ultimate goal of Bartholomew County Works is to help individuals achieve economic self sufficiency.
Workshop topics include: applications, resumes, interviews, personality and skill inventories, relationships and networking, dealing with stress, conflict resolution, goal setting, interview attire and body language, answers to tough questions, and more.
Potential employers also attend some of the sessions and meet with participants.
Dawn Bieberle, the program’s self-sufficiency coach, is one who took the training herself before assuming her post in 2016. Since the program began in 2014, there are 143 active members. Bieberle follows attendees for a year after their workshop completion to help people find stability and success in their position.
An extended support team provides participants with a range of resources from transportation to work attire.
A total of 104 training grads currently are working, according to Bieberle.
“One of the biggest things we’re trying to share with people is simply that we’re here,” Bieberle said, adding that building awareness still is a challenge. “We want to let people know especially in this trying time for work that we’re here to help.”
And the community at large is often a part of that help.
“A lot of times, local businesses will take part in mock interviews (with participants),” Bieberle said. “And a lot of time, those mock interviews can then turn into actual interviews, and then jobs.”
After a week-long January training session, all participants were employed within 30 days, Bieberle said.
Randy Allman, executive director of Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center, has mentioned in the past that his agency works with United Way of Bartholomew County on the effort.
“The collaboration between Lincoln-Central Neighborhood Family Center and United Way affords Bartholomew County Works the resources it needs to achieve its goal of helping low-income, motivated individuals find full time employment.”
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”About the free job training” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
What: Bartholomew County Works’ Job Readiness Training Workshop.
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 8-12
Where: The Sarla Kalsi Conference Room in YES Cinema, 328 Jackson St. in downtown Columbus
Cost: Free
Information: 812-379-1630
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