New program helps job seekers get ready for work, advance in their careers

BRATTLEBORO — Enrollment is open for a free, eight-week course aiming to help the unemployed and those with little work experience gain marketable skills, land jobs, and advance in their careers.

“Ready for Work” begins Oct. 7 and will be held at CCV's new Brattleboro academic center.

Participants will receive intensive, one-on-one support to help them write résumés, interview confidently, overcome employment barriers, search for and apply to jobs, and work smart - core skills most requested by Vermont businesses..

According to Steve Geller, SEVCA's executive director the problem isn't so much the lack of job-specific skills but rather the lack of core workplace skills.

“The WIB decided that it's time to tackle this challenge to support both disadvantaged workers and employers and strengthen our local economy,” Geller said.

Participants also can walk away with a Governor's Career Readiness Certificate and a National Career Readiness Certificate, both of which many Vermont employers recognize as indicators of proficiency and workforce readiness.

The program is offered by the Community College of Vermont (CCV), Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA), and the Windham Workforce Investment Board (WWIB).

It's also backed by a Regional Workforce Partnership Grant from the Vermont Department of Labor as a means to address the mutual workforce needs of employers and disadvantaged workers.

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