One-Stop Career Center to host open house July 16

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
July 10, 2008

FREEHOLD – The public is invited to an open house at the Monmouth County One-Stop Career Center on July 16 from noon until 3 p.m.

The One-Stop Career Center, part of the county’s Division of Employment and Training, is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its new office at 145 Wyckoff Road, Suite 201, Eatontown. The public is welcome and refreshments will be served.

“The Career Center is a valuable resource for people of all skill sets and wage brackets who are in need of jobs,” said Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow, liaison to the Monmouth County Department of Human Services, which oversees the Employment and Training division. “Whether it’s information on job postings, retraining or simply to get help with a resume, these dedicated staff members are there to help Monmouth County residents find a job to support themselves and their families.”

The Division of Employment and Training has a staff of 25. It operates the One-Stop Career Center and also provides staff to the Workforce Investment Board, which plans for and coordinates publicly funded employment and training services within Monmouth County.

Since January 2007, the county has enabled 1,672 unemployed adults and 250 young people to complete vocational training to improve their employability. Another 612 people improved their math, reading or basic computer skills at the Learning Link, located at the Career Center.

The Division of Employment and Training also conducts a successful Home-Based Distance Learning Program, which helps employed former welfare clients improve their skills by taking online classes at home. Students are supplied with a computer and Internet access for one year, during which time they can take computer classes without worrying about child care or transportation issues.

“Monmouth County is recognized nationwide as a pioneer and a leader in the field of Home Based Distance Learning,” said Lynn Miller, director of the Department of Human Services. “Since 2002, 218 have graduated and participants enjoy a 93 percent employment rate.”

The Career Center also offers a Resource Room for residents looking for employment who need the use of a computer, fax machine and telephone. “Anyone can come in and use the Resource Room, plus we have staff on hand to assist them,” said Kathleen Weir, the WIB executive director.