Job Help

Dec. 15, 2008

City to Provide Resources for Job Seekers
Roanoke, VA — As people navigate through these uncertain economic times the City of Roanoke, along with other partner organizations, will provide a series of resources to assist individuals who have experienced layoffs or who are currently looking for employment. Four strategies will be used to provide access to job seekers in becoming more marketable for jobs now and in the future.

1) More Connections to Employers

The city will connect job seekers to local employers by using the Roanoke Connect database. Individuals may submit a profile at www.roanokeva.gov/connect.

Additionally, the city will hold a special event — The Roanoke Holiday Career and Lifestyle Fair sponsored by the Renick Group, Express Employment Professionals and WDBJ7 — at the Roanoke Civic Center Exhibit Hall from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, Dec. 30. Admission is free to job seekers and employers, while space is available.

“The Holiday Career and Lifestyle Fair not only showcases employment and lifestyle options to people who may be home for the holidays, but it will also be an outlet for people who are looking for new opportunities,” says Roanoke City Manager Darlene Burcham.

2) Enhance Individual Job Search Strategies and Techniques

The city will hold informal weekly group sessions with job seekers every Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. discussing proven job searching techniques to become more effective in their process. The city will partner with other experts in the human resources field to offer these sessions in the Office of Economic Development located at 117 Church Ave., S.W., starting Dec. 22.

Additionally, Blue Ridge PBS will host a live monthly television show “JobQuest” starting Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 7 p.m. to assist viewers with job searches.

“JobQuest is a community service partnership addressing the employment challenges facing our citizens,” says James Baum, President and CEO, Blue Ridge PBS. “At times like this, the people of this region expect support from organizations like ours and JobQuest is one way we can help.”

3) Encourage Lifelong Learning

The city will encourage and connect individuals to the many continuing education programs in the Roanoke Valley offering classes that will directly translate into potential job offers.

Additionally, the Roanoke Higher Education Center will hold an open house on Thursday, Feb. 5, from 4 to 7 p.m. showcasing the lifelong learning options necessary to acquire new skill sets.

“The Center’s February open house will provide individuals an opportunity to speak with representatives of the member institutions in a relaxed atmosphere,” says Tom McKeon the center’s executive director. “Our members will be gathered in one place at a convenient time to share information on the many program options.”

4) Promote Business Creation

The city will connect individuals to resources and programs that are available to assist and promote business start ups, such as the City of Roanoke Entrepreneurship District program, the Virginia Western entrepreneurship track and the Small Business Development Center.

Additionally, the city will hold our Fourth Entrepreneurship Express Workshop in partnership with the Virginia Department of Business Assistance on Feb. 5, 2009, from 8 to 11:30 a.m. at Virginia Western Community College. To register go to www.vastartup.org.

“The City of Roanoke is leading the state by hosting the most Entrepreneur Express Workshops connecting over 250 individuals to available resources and demonstrating its commitment to supporting business,” says Sandy Ratliff, Business Services Manager for the Virginia Department of Business Assistance. “The Express Workshop is free and is intended to provide resources that will enable existing businesses and start-ups to plan, market and grow to their maximum long-term success and profitability.”

These strategies, programs, and events will not guarantee employment, but will provide access to employers, helpful techniques, and alternative solutions to career and job transitions.

To find out more about each of these programs, visit www.roanokeva.gov/jobhelp, call 853-1694, or email lisa.soltis@roanokeva.gov.