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Erica Greene Named Work Ready's Job Seeker of the Month

Friday, October 8, 2010  Contact: Office of Communications 404-651-7774

ATLANTA – Erica Greene of Griffin is Georgia Work Ready’s latest Job Seeker of the Month. The Job Seeker of the Month initiative recognizes the hard work and determination of Georgia’s job seekers to validate their core job skills and improve their job prospects.

“Being unemployed can be a fearful and stressful time for many people,” said Governor Sonny Perdue. “The Job Seeker of the Month initiative highlights Georgians such as Erica Greene who use tools like Work Ready Certification and free skills gap training to make themselves marketable to local employers of all sizes. These success stories may provide additional hope to others looking for employment.” 

After losing her job in July, Greene discovered Georgia Work Ready through her local Department of Labor career center. The Work Ready assessment identified her key strengths and pinpointed positions that fit those traits. The feedback from the assessment encouraged Greene to apply for jobs she otherwise may never have considered, including those at family-owned businesses.

“During my interview, my future boss asked me about my Work Ready Certificate,” said Greene. “He was impressed by my sales resume, but he took special interest in my Work Ready certification. It made my application stand out and helped me get the job at Midstate Enterprizes.”

Greene plans to use free skills gap training through Southern Crescent Technical College to increase her certification level. She also hopes to open her own business in the future.

Each month, www.gaworkready.org features a success story of how earning a Work Ready Certificate has improved a job seeker’s confidence and availed him or her with new employment opportunities. Certificate holders are encouraged to visit the website to share stories about their success with Work Ready certification and skills gap training in their search for better job opportunities. Featured Work Ready individuals will receive a $100 pre-paid incentive card in recognition of their hard work.

Since January, at least 5,268 Work Ready Certified Georgians have found jobs, with 74 percent finding employment within two months of Work Ready certification. .

Georgia’s Work Ready initiative is based on a skills assessment, certification and skills gap training for job seekers and a job profiling system for businesses. By identifying both the needs of business and the available skills of Georgia’s workforce, the state can more effectively generate the right talent for the right jobs.

For more information on the Work Ready initiative, please visit www.gaworkready.org.

 

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