WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

Employment Connection

Workforce Development Home Page

Employment Connection is a collaborative workforce development system comprised of partners working together to better attract the attention and respect of the business community as well as to create streamlined and efficient customer services for jobseekers.

Integrated services give Employment Connection partners the opportunity to focus on the specialized services that they provide without a duplication of efforts. Jobseekers and employers engaged in employment and training activities have access to a spectrum of workforce development services in one centralized location.

The links below will lead you to the websites of the Employment Connection partners:

AARP
City of Cleveland Division of Workforce Development Home Page

City of Cleveland Empowerment Zone

Cleveland Job Corps

Cleveland Municipal School District

Cuyahoga Community College

Cuyahoga County Department of Workforce Development

Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority

Employment and Family Services

National Caucus and Center on Black Aged, Inc.

Ohio Department of Job and Family Services

Ohio Rehabilitation Services Commission

Recovery Resources

The United Labor Agency
Veterans Affairs Louis Stokes Cleveland DVA Medical Center

Adult Jobseekers click here
Youth 14 to 21 click here
Ex-Offenders click here
Employers click here

Services for Adult Jobseekers
Employment Connection offices have staff and services available to help you in your pursuit of employment, whether you are currently unemployed or you already have a job and want to change fields or income levels.

Orientation

In order to become familiarized with all services available, schedule an appointment for an Orientation . Customers are asked to complete a Customer Interest Form and POWER Program. You may fill these out in advance and bring them with you, but you are not required to complete them prior to orientation. Staff members are available to assist you onsite with filling out all forms. Please bring a photo ID.

Providing Opportunities With Employment Research: POWER Program
If you are an adult customers seeking to access services, you will receive a POWER Program Services Package at Orientation. Completion of the POWER Program requires that you become familiar with and utilize the basic services available at Employment Connection. Activities that customers participate in while engaged in the POWER program include development of a resume, analyzing labor market information, and completing an occupational interests inventory.

Filling out the POWER Program Services Package prior to attending Orientation may help to expedite job placement or training. However, customers are not obligated to complete these documents prior to coming to Employment Connection. Staff members are available to assist you on site with filling out these documents. Even if you are not familiar with using computers, they will be happy to help you out.

On-site Resources
Employment Connection offices have Employment Access Centers with computers, fax machines copiers, videos, reference materials and telephones, which you may use in your job search. You will also find job postings for local jobs that are updated weekly. Free workshops in basic computer use and Internet job searching are conducted weekly, and there is always a staff member available to help you in the Employment Access Center. Job Club is available for customers that would benefit from a more concentrated effort.

Staff Assistance
Job Development Specialists can lead you in the right direction to make your job search efforts a success-whether your goal is entry-level or degree-required employment. The Job Development Unit conducts Job Club, which will help you to polish your skills at interviewing, guide you through the resume and cover letter writing process, and teach you how to find available jobs. Job Development also works with local business to conduct on-site recruitment and regularly organize local Job Fairs. If it is determined that you would benefit from training and you are eligible for a scholarship, you will be scheduled to meet with a Career Coach. Training opportunities are determined by the needs of local businesses and are provided through subcontractors. Training programs vary, and may lead to a credential, certificate, or diploma.

Free Workshops and Current Job Listings
In addition to computer workshops, other workshops will familiarize you with hiring trends, job search skills, resume and cover letter writing, networking, financial aid, and additional information. Customers have access to job postings, job fairs, and weekly job listings. Depending on your needs, you may be scheduled to meet with a Career Coach or a Job Developer. You will participate in comprehensive workforce development activities focused on providing you with the guidance you need to make informed choices about your career. Some supportive services are available, such as help with transportation.

Dislocated or Laid-off Workers

United Labor Agency’s (ULA) Job Start Program:

The United Labor Agency is a social service agency which was founded in 1972 by the AFL-CIO, Teamsters and UAW. ULA serves Northeastern Ohio by focusing the resources, compassion and commitment and services are available at no cost to any member of the community in need of assistance- union membership is not required. ULA is funded in part by the federal, state, county and city governments, is a partner agency of United Way Services and receives grants through local foundations. The ULA Job Start Program can help workers who have become unemployed due to a company closing, layoff or downsizing get the skills that they need to succeed in today's job market.

Providing Real Opportunities for Ex-offenders to Succeed(PROES)
Program Overview:
This collaboration with Alternative gency, Inc. is an on-site program for the City of Cleveland’s Division of Workforce Development. The intensive four-week program includes life skills training, communication skills, and job readiness preparation. The focus of the program is to match ex-offenders with local employers who need help, so that they may provide for themselves and their families and lower their chances of recidivism .

Information for Attendees:
Attendees are expected to dress in business casual attire and should bring: a current resume if available, paper, and something to write with. Class hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 am to noon. The PROES staff will utilize all resources available to obtain employment for attendees, but job placement depends on each individual’s personal situation. There is no fee for attending the PROES Program.

How to Enroll in the Program:
If you are a formerly incarcerated individual interested in hearing more about the PROES program and services available from Employment Connection, make an appointment for an orientation.

 Youth Services
Services are available for Younger (14-17) and Older (18-21) eligible youth. If you are a teen or young adult living in the Cleveland area and need assistance in improving your education and polishing your skills, you may benefit from this program. There are a variety of options available to help you reach your goals, which include tutoring, mentoring, and work experience. Employment Connection Youth staff provide effective connection to employers and mentors that are interested in working with our program participants.

Older Youth 18-21
If you are between the ages of 18 and 21, come to a youth orientation in order to learn about several programs available to you. At the orientation you will be introduced to programs offered through Employment Connection.

On-site Resources for Youth
Employment Connection offices have Employment Access Centers for Youth with computers, fax machines, copiers, videos, reference materials and telephones, which you may use in your job search. You will also find job postings for local jobs.

Younger Youth 14-17
Employment Connection works with the Cleveland Municipal School District, where guidance counselors refer students to available programs. Interested parents should ask the school guidance counselors about the WIA Youth Programs for information on enrolling your child into the program.