One stops have access to information on all levels of job leads and in all industries and fields, though a one stop career center, in and of itself is not a placement agency per se.

I think it’s important that I address the services of the one stop centers for unemployed people. In answer to the questions, are the job leads entry level, mid level or higher, I would also have to answer what the purpose of the one stop is. The one stop concept is based upon the alignment of various agencies and organizations, along with the Dept. of Labor, under one roof, for the convenience of the individual in need of reemployment services. The current thrust of the one stop is offering taxpayer-funded retraining with monies from the federal stimulus package. This privilege is always free of charge and never required to pay back after one is employed, or not. Of course, the end goal is to get the person employed! Otherwise, funding would certainly end. Funding fluctuates from center to center, based upon various factors particular to that individual center, which is an independent entity, though administered out of the Labor Dept.

The placement assistance would also vary from center to center, depending on the proactiveness of the person in need of a job and the dynamic or not so dynamic actions of the particular staff. Please keep in mind that the volumn of people unemployed and streaming through these centers, usually by labor dept. mandate, and overwhelming record keeping,(one stops come under gov’t. audit scrutiny, ironically, more so than other gov’t agencies should be under) and often interferes with the true purpose, which is to get people back on their feet and working. The one stop does offer morale support in various workshops, such as coping with job loss, networking clubs, and such tangibles as creating a door-opening resume, etc. All services are absolutely always free and includes usage of the resource rooms, complete with computers, faxes, phones and mailings. So I think my answer, after detailing the services of a one stop center more clearly, is in advice to the job seeker: be proactive, assert yourself and your needs, seek out the services of a one on one with a career counselor, while you are mandated to pass through for the purposes of the labor dept., and make your face known, so that if a counselor comes across some lead that’s appropriate for you—or some invaluable information—that you are ready for it!

We give people the resources and know-how and latest cutting-edge job search advice and assistance. Don’t be passive and make sure you communicate with a counselor—and please—let us know when you do find employment. The Workforce mandates dictate that we must show that people are reemployed, otherwise funding for school training would end. It makes sense. Like anything else in this world, if you want something, you have to ask and seek it out! The one stops have great potential in helping people ferret out job openings, so my advice is to get in there, register for Workforce Investment Act (WIA) services if you want training, and make the most of your center services. Whether you find job leads or not, through the one stop career center, is up to you! For a listing of one stop centers nearest you, log onto www.servicelocator.org and tap in your zip code. These centers are everywhere in the continental USA in every state, city and in the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, too.

Depending on the center, people are first informed of the WIA training opportunities when they arrive. Because of the amount of people seeking services and overwhelming demand, this information is often the best kept secret. Now you know!! Use this time well, for obtaining certifications and new or upgraded skills. And keeping searching…

-By Gloria Schramm, Career Counselor & Contributing Writer