WHAT IS GEORGIA WORKS?

An initiative developed by the Georgia Department of Labor under the leadership of Commissioner Michael Thurmond in 2003 to stimulate job growth and hiring in response to growing job loss and structural unemployment.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE?

U I CLAIMANTSClaimants with at least 14 weeks of eligibilityClaimants who reside in the state of GeorgiaClaimants with only Georgia wages in the base period

GEORGIA EMPLOYERSAll Georgia EmployersTraining employer must be located in GeorgiaAvailable to for-profit, non-profit, and governmental employers

GEORGIA WORKS COMPONENTS

Georgia Works participants receive: On-site workplace training Regular UI benefits Special training allowance of up to $240.00 to

defray costs of attending training (e.g., child care, transportation, tools, work clothes, etc.).

Training is limited to: Up to 24 hours per week Up to 8 weeks

After successful completion of training, participant receives certification of completion and consideration for employment.

GEORGIA WORKS GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Make participation voluntaryKeep procedures simple and easy to understandAvoid punitive measures for participantsDeveloping training sites is a priorityEmpower job seekers to develop their own training sitesEncourage feedback from participants and staffCount participation as part of work search

HOW DOES A JOB SEEKER BECOME A GEORGIA WORKS TRAINEE?

Job seeker files claim for UIEligible claimants receive a service needs evaluation and information about Georgia WorksClaimants expressing an interest in Georgia Works are scheduled for a Georgia Works orientation sessionGeorgia Works trainee pursues training position already posted by employers and/or seeks out his or her own training employer

BECOMING A GEORGIA WORKS TRAINING EMPLOYER

Complete the Georgia Works Training Order FormNotify Career Center when claimant enters into trainingUpdate local Career Center at training midpoint of training status Provide training results to local Career Center at end of training Coordinate with local Career Center in issuing Georgia Works Certificate of Completion to claimants who successfully complete training

HOW DO EMPLOYERS BENEFIT?

Reduces costs of hiring new employeesReduces employer tax burdenMinimizes training costs Increases the probability of a good hireCovers workers compensation for participants Improves experience ratingsReduces risk of creating new jobs

HOW DO JOB SEEKERS BENEFIT?Provides opportunity to market skills to an employer while adding new skills, training, and work experience to his or her résuméMaintains the job seeker’s connection to the workplace and broadens his or her network of contactsOffers the possibility of turning training into fulltime employmentProvides new tool to displaced workers who need to change careers

EXAMPLES OF CURRENT TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

SQL Database AdministratorAttorneyReal Estate Office ManagerDental AssistantMarketing AssistantOptician ApprenticeNight AuditorCollections SpecialistAuto Mechanic

ReceptionistCommercial Sales RepSheet Metal WorkerLandscape ForemanTeacher (Preschool)Restaurant Manager TraineeGraphic ArtistAdvertising AssociateHuman Resources Clerk

GEORGIA WORKSGets Results!

• 902 claimants on Georgia Works training sites so far

• 496 (61% of) Georgia Works trainees entered employment so far

• 58% of those completing training are hired by the training employer

• Estimated savings of over $186,000.00 to trust fund so far

• Average saving to trust fund per hire is $756.93

Carl Vinson Institute of Government survey results

• 60% of participating employers noted a reduction in the cost of recruitment

• 56% noted a reduction in the cost of training

• 33% said that their participation resulted in hiring sooner than expected

• 71% report they would recommend it to another company

GEORGIA WORKS!

A JOB FOR EVERY GEORGIAN AND A GEORGIAN FOR EVERY JOB

© 2004 Georgia Department of Labor

All Rights Reserved