Many New Yorkers are returning to school to retrain for recession-proof jobs. We’ll discuss what qualifies individuals for jobs in growth industries with Emily Reilly of Global Foundries, representatives from Schenectady County Community College who are training students for tomorrow’s jobs, and Susan Birkhead of Samaritan Hospital Nursing School, who explores the current demand for nurses.
We introduce you to the CEO of a consulting group with a passion for helping companies move their corporate culture into the 21st century. In addition, we’re joined by the owner of an Upstate New York creative marketing agency who offers advice on pursuing one’s interests. We also take a look at some encouraging economic trends in New York. Lastly, we explore labor law with attorney Ron Dunn.
Gov. David Paterson sits down for an interview with ‘Help Wanted’ host Dan Bazile to discuss what Paterson’s administration is doing to help people in the Empire State get back to work, particularly in clean energy and energy efficiency-related fields. Also, we introduce you to Shefik, a web programmer from Brooklyn who was recently laid off even though he possesses skills that are tailor-made for the digital age. In addition, we examine what individuals can do to break the cycle of debt and return to fiscal stability.
On this edition of ‘Help Wanted,’ meet a single mother who took the leap into self-employment after being laid off in the middle of the recession. Also, we’ll introduce you to a man who is reentering the workforce after a car accident left him without several brain functions. We’ll also take a look at public assistance options, which can be a helpful temporary solution for those out of work. Plus, we’ll explain how to avoid giving con artists an opportunity to steal your identity while you’re looking for a job.
After getting divorced, Jennifer was left with a daughter to raise and a mountain of debt. We’ll explore how Jennifer straightened out her finances and repaired her credit score with the help of financial advisers. Also, we catch up with some professionals who are learning new skills in order to land a new job, and we’ll expose an Internet scam targeting those seeking unemployment insurance. Plus, we present some helpful tips for filling out an online job application.
Even with a law degree and additional experience in the military and the Peace Corps, Leslie is having trouble finding employment. We’ll find out what this former state attorney does to remain positive in a tough economy. Also, as tax season is upon us, we speak to professionals who can offer some helpful tips on how to get the most out of your taxes. Plus, we explore how green jobs may provide new employment opportunities now and in the years ahead.
The recession presents those who have recently graduated from college with a tough job market, and many are finding that a Bachelor’s degree isn’t yielding desirable employment. We’ll introduce you to one such graduate. Also, those seeking a career change may be interested in learning more about training opportunities. Plus, we’ll dissect a phishing scam targeting those who utilize online banking.
At age 21, Francis suffered a spinal cord injury, resulting in paralysis of her four limbs. Today, she is the Community Education Coordinator for Access to Independence. She says that disabled individuals make very good employees, because most are forced to become extremely adaptable and are creative when it comes to solving problems.
Francis says: ‘We know how to problem solve because we have to, just to get out of bed.’ | • Watch Video
Do you need help in reading, writing and math? Do you want to try a home study program? Get your high school equivalency diploma (GED) with help from the Adult Literacy/GED preparation program at Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Herkimer-Essex BOCES now. Or, call (518) 581-3310 for information on exam dates and more.
Do you need a GED diploma, or do you need to learn how to speak English? Classes are free for all adults ages 21 and over. Washington Irving offers day and evening classes as well as study-at-home options. Call (518) 370-8230 for more information.
Gigi spent 26 years employed as a saleswoman at the same company, but over the last decade, she realized that the company was restructuring and moving in a different direction. She did some research, which helped her as she negotiated her severance and health benefits. Because job searching can be lonely, Gigi reached out for help from a job search support group.
Gigi says: ‘I knew that I could not be searching all day for a job, that I had to allow myself some sort of luxury, or some sort of replenishment, or something to make my soul happy.’ | • Watch Video
If you are unemployed and between the ages of 18 and 24, and not currently attending school, you are eligible to work one-on-one with an Iroquois Health Center Coordinator to find a training program matching local employment needs. Read this brochure for contact information in order to get started.
After graduating college with a degree in industrial engineering, Heidi is treading water with a part-time job as an administrative assistant while searching for a job in her chosen field. As she focuses on networking, she lives in a basement apartment in her parents’ home and works on creating a very tight budget in order to pay off student and auto loans.
Heidi says: ‘They don’t teach you how to manage your budget.’ | • Watch Video
New York State agencies and departments have many resources available to help working families make ends meet. This portal offers a gateway into information on: work support programs that you may be eligible for, food stamps, nutrition programs, home energy assistance, weatherization assistance, child support, tax credits, job placement, social security, unemployment assistance, housing, student loans, education assistance and much, much more.
Every hour, someone in the state of New York needs essential services, but people often don’t know where to turn. The United Way encourages people to pick up the phone and dial 2-1-1 (or 3-1-1 in the New York City area) to get answers and assistance. Dial now, or click here to locate the 2-1-1 service in your area.
Are you a long-term homemaker? Find a center for displaced homemakers in your area, where you can develop and implement sound vocational plans, leading to employment and economic independence.
This comprehensive guide offers information on handling a job loss, conducting a job search, interviewing and many other topics of interest for professionals.
Joseph used to make $50,000 a month running an illegal drug operation in the Bronx, but that choice landed him in prison. After serving his time, Joseph is determined to find honest work that will allow him to put food on the table for his two sons. A local organization has helped Joseph improve his resume, cover letter and interview skills, but his criminal record remains a tough hurdle to get beyond.
Joseph says: ‘I walk around with my bookbag that has resumes and cover letters in it just in case.’ | • Watch Video
After serving his country honorably in both the Army and the Navy, Keith finds himself struggling just to support himself, though it doesn’t seem to be for lack of trying. Out of work since June of 2009, Keith is a homeless veteran–one of thousands of veterans who are homeless or jobless in New York State. Keith doesn’t have a college degree, and so is relying primarily on his work and military experience. He has applied for many jobs, but has had little success. Still, he retains a positive outlook as he attends job fairs in the region.
Keith says: ‘I want to help people.’ | • Watch Video
Learn more about your legal rights in employment, unemployment and employment discrimination. To find legal assistance available in your area, visit LawHelp.org/NY and click on ‘Workers Rights.’ En Espanol: ayudalegalny.org y clik ‘Derechos del Trabajador.’
Leslie worked as an attorney for New York State, but after taking a five-day leave of absence, she was told to either resign or face termination. With a law degree from SUNY-Buffalo and additional experience in both the military and the Peace Corps, she never thought she’d find herself in this position. She combines a yoga regimen with constant job searching to stay positive.
Leslie says: ‘When you’re not in the workforce, you’re pretty much marginalized. You feel like you’re on the fringe of society.’ | • Watch Video