COLUMBUS, Ohio (WLIO) — Ohio leaders say a new workforce initiative is designed to connect job seekers with opportunities across the state through personalized, regional support.
WorkOhio launched in January, and Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel has been traveling throughout the state to promote the program, which offers customized assistance for people looking for jobs or considering a career change.
The initiative divides Ohio into seven regions, known as Job Hubs, giving residents the opportunity to explore employment options where they live — or where they hope to relocate.
Each Job Hub is focused on understanding its region’s leading industries, major employers and specific workforce needs. State officials say that localized approach allows hubs to better connect Ohioans with companies and careers that are driving economic growth in their communities.
“We created them to have a little bit of assistance with a hub leader who's kind of bringing together a group of connectors, who are then to go out and flip up every stone, grab everyone by the hand, find out what they want, what they're capable of, what's it going to take to get them ready. And the enthusiasm we've seen for it, being a regional entity has been really good,” says Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel, Ohio.
Through the WorkOhio website, users can independently search job listings or connect directly with a regional job expert for more personalized guidance.
“Raising the awareness of what are the opportunities, and how do I get there, and who can help me, the who can help me, a human being showing me, here's who you need to talk to, or here's what you need to do to take advantage of that. Or it sounds like you like this, getting that connectivity, we think, will be very key,” adds Tressel.
To learn more about the program, visit www.WorkOhio.gov.
