Last month, Maricopa Workforce Connections had more than 13,500 customer visits, up 100 percent compared to last year and the numbers are expected to continue to rise.
"We're aware of some type of positions you wouldn't find online," said Patrick Burkhart, assistant director of Maricopa Workforce Connections.
On Tuesday, the organization said more than 150 new customers showed up to schedule an appointment looking for free help.
For free, the agency provides free counseling, resume assistance and even training for those who want to make a career change.
"Even though we are in a recession, it does not mean that jobs are not available, there's still turnover," said Burkhart.
With a $10 million budget, the organization works with its counterpart in Phoenix to help job seekers land on their feet. Now, Maricopa Workforce Connections hopes to help many more after word it will receive $7.87 million in federal stimulus money.
Burkhart said the financial boost didn't come as a surprise for the federal funded organization formed by the U.S. Department of Labor.
"What we do is help people position themselves to be competitive in a very, very difficult employment market place," said Burkhart.
Burkhart says the organization helps train people to want to change careers or find a job using their current skill set, all for free.
Job seekers are encouraged to go online and set an appointment with Maricopa Workforce Connections to meet face to face with staff members. The organization also offers free workshops.
Burkhart says he expects to begin training people for particular industries such as Solar and so-called Green companies.
"The economic development community wants to create a solar sustainable industry base here, we would like to use some of the stimulus funds to help prepare that workforce to attract those companies here," said Burkhart.
For more information, or to set up an appointment, go to
www.maricopaworkforceconnection.com.
