For many, good news seems rare in these sluggish economic times. Everyone from business owners to professionals to laborers has felt the pinch. Any ray of hope is most welcome.
A One-Stop Career Center can provide help.
“We serve people in their 20s and 60s with a wide range of careers and future hopes and a wide range of education levels,” said Michael Goldberg, site manager for the Alameda One-Stop, located at College of Alameda.
One-Stop Career Centers, established under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998, exist throughout the country. The College of Alameda location is one of 13 centers in Alameda and Contra Costa counties associated with EASTBAY Works, a regional partnership of public and private entities set up to help businesses and job seekers meet their employment needs. EASTBAY Works receives federal and state funds.
Job seekers using a One-Stop are encouraged to enroll in the WIA program, which includes workshops for resumes and cover letters. Another program feature is the “Job Club,” where those looking for work meet with others in similar situations to share ideas and strategies for landing jobs.
But a One-Stop serves more than those looking for work. Businesses also can fill their staffing needs.
“We will help them find qualified candidates,” said Aram Attarian, Alameda One-Stop business services representative. “We do a lot of what staffing agencies do, but we do it for free. We actually collaborate with staffing agencies like Manpower and provide seminars for businesses.
” If (businesses) come to the One-Stop, they will get fewer resumes and have candidates prescreened,” she said.
“Before putting (an ad) on Craigslist, let us have first crack and see if someone enrolled in our WIA program can fill the job,” Goldberg added.
Despite its relatively small size, Goldberg said the Alameda One-Stop has a high success rate in helping its WIA enrollees find jobs. A major concern, however, is the loss of stimulus funding with the new fiscal year, which began July 1.
“We understand there are cuts everywhere you look,” Goldberg said, “so the people who need assistance are going to be dismayed that they are getting less from (the One-Stop).”
To fill gaps, local One-Stops — in conjunction with the Alameda County Workforce Investment Board — are looking into alternative funding from private sources. So hope remains strong for places such as the Alameda One-Stop, a most valued resource for Alameda residents, College of Alameda students and folks from other parts of the Bay Area.
For more information, go to http://alameda.peralta.edu/apps/comm.asp?$1=20087.