Job Seekers, Unemployed, and Others Have Access to Services
The Delta Workforce Center and the Delta County Libraries have launched “the Virtual Workforce Center project” for job seekers and employers.
Through a partnership with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Delta County Libraries, along with 40 other libraries across Colorado, received funds to purchase computers equipped with a camera and microphone, signature pads, and printer/fax/scanners to set up virtual workforce stations.
“Each Virtual Workforce Center will allow library patrons to access many state and federal services online,” says Ray Lucero, Regional Director of the Colorado Workforce Center. “Each Center links directly to the state’s website where patrons can find the services they need, such as medical or food assistance.”
“With the tough economy, our libraries are seeing an increase in use by patrons seeking jobs or filing for unemployment,” explains Annette Choszczyk, Library District Director. “The Virtual Workforce Center addresses these needs by offering online help, such as drafting a resume or preparing for a job interview.”
“Also, each library will have new software by April that will allow job seekers to consult one-on-one with a job counselor,” Lucero states. “This will be an enormous benefit to library patrons seeking employment.”
In addition to accessing information online, each library has handouts about Unemployment Insurance Benefits, Veterans Services, the Workforce Investment Act, employment training, and more.
“This new virtual technology service is another way that libraries are responding to the many needs of our communities and how our libraries are keeping up with technology,” Choszczyk says. “Thanks to the Delta Workforce Center, our librarians are now trained and ready to assist patrons with basic workforce needs.”
For more information about the Virtual Workforce Centers, please contact your library or visit the Delta County Libraries’ website at www.deltalibraries.org.
