COMMUNITY VIEWPOINT: NyE coalition has unemployment training, programs

So you’re unemployed. Maybe you were laid off or fired from your last job? Maybe you feel depressed and stressed out about not being able to find a job? Maybe your unemployment benefits have expired or are they are not enough to support yourself and your family? Maybe you just don’t care anymore?

Whatever the situation, there is help in Pahrump and throughout Nye and Esmeralda counties. NyE Communities Coalition’s (NyECC) Workforce Division has programs and services to help you. The best news is that there is no cost to take advantage of this opportunity.

NyECC, funded in part by Workforce Connections, a U.S. Department of Labor Workforce Investment Board, has additional funding available to assist individuals who have lost their job due to: layoff, company closure, formerly self-employed or individuals who have been dependent on a spouse or partner’s income and now are returning to the workforce.

NyECC’s workforce staff is knowledgeable and ready to guide you through the steps of job search and career planning. Staff will inform you about the services that are available and any special programs for which you might qualify.

We will be able to show you how to search for work by checking our job opening board, using the state online job bank, and other employer websites. We can help you understand the fundamentals of a successful job search.

If you need to sharpen up your computer or interviewing skills, NyECC can help. There are regular computer classes that can help you set up an email address and learn how to send a job application or resume to an employer.

Another workshop teaches skills to help you get ready to apply for jobs including interview techniques and how to dress for success. NyECC’s case managers and staff want to help you prepare to look for work. We are successful when you become successful.

NyECC has funding to help you with job training of a few weeks or up to a year. Short term training is typically referred to as occupational skills training. This might include topics like computer basics, introduction to Microsoft Office programs, or customer service training. Most long-term trainings fall into a category known as STEM, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Don’t let this scare you.

There are a lot of opportunities at entry and mid-level positions. STEM jobs generally fall into one of these categories: Aerospace &Defense; Agriculture; Clean Energy; Health &Medical Services; Information Technology; Logistics &Operations; Manufacturing, Mining &Materials, and Tourism, Gaming &Entertainment. The State of Nevada has determined that job opportunities will grow at a much fast rate than other job areas.

NyECC can provide services such as job search assistance and financial assistance with training costs. Another program that we offer is On-the-Job training.

This program is available for individuals who an employer is considering to hire but additional training may be needed in order to meet the job requirements. NyECC can reimburse a portion of the employee’s wages during the training period which gives the individual time to become proficient on the job.

In order to qualify for assistance a person must first meet certain eligibility requirements. An individual must be at least 18 years of age, be eligible to work in the U.S., show proof that they are living in Southern Nevada, and all males who were born after December 31, 1959 must be in compliance with Selective Service requirements.

Individuals who have lost their job through no fault of their own must also provide additional documents such as unemployment insurance records, layoff letter.

To learn more stop by the NyE Communities Campus located at 1020 E. Wilson Road in Pahrump. The campus is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Some questions can also be answered by phone 775-537-2323.

NyECC also has a northern office in Tonopah to help serve those living in Northern Nye and Esmeralda counties. It is located at 1 Frankie St. in the old Courthouse, 775-482-9883.

Sheryl Camacho

Lead Case Manager, NyECC Career Connections Division