News release, Sept. 30, 2004

Georgia

Department of Labor

NEWS RELEASE

SUITE 642

148 ANDREW YOUNG INTERNATIONAL BOULEVARD, N.E. ATLANTA, GA 30303-1751

(404) 232-3685



FAX (404) 657-9996

Communications@dol.state.ga.us

Michael Thurmond
Commissioner

Sam Hall
Director of Communications

Sept. 30, 2004......................................................FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Georgia Works stimulates job growth in Tifton

ATLANTA State Labor Commissioner Michael Thurmond said today that the Georgia Department of Labor is offering an innovative new program in Tifton that's designed to combat a weak economy and long-term unemployment. The program, called Georgia Works, is also available in other parts of the state.

Designed by Commissioner Thurmond to stimulate job growth and spur new hiring, Georgia Works allows laid-off workers to continue to draw unemployment insurance benefits, while receiving on-site training with a potential full-time employer. In addition to the jobless benefits, the laid-off workers participating in the program may also qualify for a special training allowance to help defray some of the costs associated with training.

"Georgia Works is a `win-win' situation for both employers and laid-off workers," Thurmond said. "It's an ideal program for businesses, especially new or expanding small businesses, because it reduces the employer's risk and cost of training new workers. While it enables businesses to audition potential employees, it also gives laid-off workers an opportunity to reconnect with the workplace, learn new skills, and get a chance to show a potential employer what they can do."

The Georgia Works training period is for a maximum of 24 hours per week for up to eight weeks. Upon successful completion of training, the trainees receive a certificate of acquired job skills and will be considered for employment. Approximately 70 percent of jobseekers entering Georgia Works training are being hired.

The labor department's Tifton Career Center has been actively involved in the program and has placed several job seekers on work sites. One of those work sites is the Tift County Probate Court in Tifton where Marian Perrin was hired as a court clerk. "This is a wonderful opportunity to learn what goes on in the office," she said. "I have learned about issuing marriage certificates and firearm permits." Probate Judge Lill Radford, who employs Perrin, said: "This (Georgia Works) is a great program that worked well just when we needed someone."

The Georgia Works program is available in all 53 labor department career centers throughout the state.

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GEORGIA WORKS IN TIFTON last add
Job seekers or employers wanting more information about the Georgia Works program should contact Employment Marketing Representative (EMR) Mark Lewis of the Tifton Career Center at (229) 386-3322. The career center provides job seekers and employers with a wealth of new information and resource services, modern technology, and a customer-focused, state-of-the-art business environment. The Georgia Department of Labor has enhanced its services to customers with the development of a new and improved web site. The on-line resource gives information on the various services and programs operated by the labor department and other Georgia workforce partners. Additionally, the web site helps equip workers and new entrants into the job market with the tools and information needed to evaluate career options, prepare for work, and find the right job. It also provides employers with an abundance of workforce-related information. The site may be accessed at www.dol.state.ga.us.
NEWS MEDIA NEEDING MORE INFORMATION MAY CALL (404) 232-3685. FY-04-627