As the job market tightens and as more and more layoff notices go up, some state employees are getting busier and busier.
State law requires companies that are about to close to notify employees in advance of the plans. That triggers action by the Rapid Response teams dispatched from the state Division of Workforce Development. Team leaders meet with the company and with the soon-to-be jobless workers to provide information about career assistance services and dislocated workers services.
The Davison also gives workers a chance to access local labor market information that can help them find new jobs or make new career choices. Division policy manger Michael Weltman says some people decide to move to an entirely new career.
He says the response teams also walk people through new career choices and the career entry process. His division also works with the Department of Economic Development to identify industries with the largest potential for growth–a possible avenue to new jobs for those who are freshly laid off.
Download Bob Priddy’s story (:64 mp3)
