Stimulus Training Expo

Are you unemployed? Have you been laid-off from your job? Don't foresee any employment prospects for the near future. Don't know what your next move is. Do you know that there is free money available to train in a new career that is in demand.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has set aside roughly $4 billion for training individuals such as myself who have lost their jobs recently. This money is available through the National Emergency Grant program under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Labor. These funds are available to individuals through local workforce investment boards, One-stop centers, rapid response and trade coordinators.

Now my understanding is that there is money available for not only tuition expenses, but also books, supplies, uniforms, tools, exams, certifications and support services. Support services can include gas cards, expenses incurred for job searches related to out of area expenses, relocation assistance, tools, uniforms, certification and testing fees. Other employment related resources include assisted job searches, resume assistance, employability strategy sessions and state of the art resource rooms. At least that is according to the Workforce Connection of Citrus,Levy and Marion counties.

On May 1st , I attended one of those "Stimulus Training Expo's" sponsored by Workforce Connection. While there, I applied for a scholarship for re-training. Yes, I even filled out a form. The Workforce Representative assured me that someone would be contacting me "within (1) week to schedule a one-on-one meeting with me to assess my needs and desires."

Don't you know that it has been a month and a half and I still don't know anymore than I did on May 1st...only my caseworker's name. After numerous calls and e-mails to a supervisor I still don't know anything. I keep getting the same old line..."that they are overwhelmed by the response they received." Well, I know they received money to implement the program, so they should have the resources available to provide assistance to anyone who needs it.

I just don't believe it should take this long to take action on this issue. I can only conclude that they are either blowing me off, since I am from a different out of state, or that they aren't helping anyone. That's the government for you...slow as a snail or they completely ignore you. Anyways, I would like to know what happened to all that money they received for re-training laid-off workers. I know I haven't seen any of it. Has anyone else seen any of it? It all must be a figment of our imaginations. I got it....it's virtual money.

I've decided to take matters into my own hands and started taking courses in Web Design. Wish me luck!