Photo:  WDIO-TV

From WDIO-TV - June 29, 2020

Employers have faced many challenges during the pandemic. They have had to close up shop, look at re-opening safely, and worry about employees. Help is available, from the compassionate and caring career counselors and outreach specialists from the Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training, NEMOJT.

Even though Northwood Children's Services is hiring, and able to offer full-time work to some of their part-time people during the pandemic, they still utilized help from NEMOJT. "Some of our employees lost their full time employment with their primary job, and Dave Cook, a career counselor, shared some resources and advice for the job hunt," said Joaquim Harris, Director of Human Resources for Northwood. "That's what they do."

And before the pandemic, NEMOJT was helping places like Domino's Pizza find the right candidates for jobs. When the franchisee was moving the location in Virginia to the downtown area, they turned to NEMOJT for their expertise. "They helped with a one day job seminar and sent out emails about the jobs available, and within a week I had results," shared Pat Kannas, the area supervisor. "It was pedal to the metal, helping me out."

Some questions NEMOJT people been fielding have to do with how to help employees file for unemployment, and how to bring employees back.

Renee Prout, an outreach specialist, and Heath Boe, Rural Workforce Coordinator, have made 100s of calls to small businesses. They share what's available in federal and state program assistance. "Part of the goal for me, is to make sure they stay in business," Prout said. "Some didn't even know we helped employers."

Boe added, "Some of them have have looked at it in a positive way. They took a break, and now what are we going to do going forward."

For more info about NEMOJT: https://www.nemojt.org/