The unemployment rate in Lincoln is one of the lowest in the nation. But we are challenged by a lack of available skilled talent that companies need to grow and thrive. At the same time, families are living in poverty while working multiple part-time jobs and jumping from one job to another for an additional .50 cents or $1 per hour.
“The solution is to connect people working in low-wage positions with available career-pathway jobs that provide on-job-training or require a quickly-earned certificate or Associates degree,” said Bryan Seck, employment skills developer for Prosper Lincoln. “A career pathway provides economic stability and benefits for a family.”
According to Seck, many Lincoln employers promote from within. By starting at an entry-level position, employees have the opportunity to move into better paying positions in a few months to a year. For example, Duncan Aviation has a Parts Runner position that is entry-level. Once in the position for a few months, a reliable employee has the opportunity to move to any department they’d like at Duncan where they’ll gain on-the-job training.
Other employers that promote from within include the Capital One call center, Nelnet, Lincoln Industries, Madonna, Bryan Health, Tabitha and many more.
Other employers have on-the-job apprenticeship programs that help a new employee learn all she needs to know to work in the field while getting paid. For example, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (electrician’s union), Kidwell and TMCO all offer paid on-the-job training.
Some careers that currently have many open positions do typically require some additional certification or associates degree, including Certified Nurses Aid, Welder and Human Services Associate. A person interested in the medical caregiving field may earn a Nurse Aide certification in a few months with as little as $500. Once employed with a local health care provider, he is likely to receive tuition reimbursement for that certificate and have the opportunity to qualify for a GAP scholarship to study for a higher level Medication Aide certificate or nursing degree which will lead to higher wages and a choice of schedule. He can do this while working full-time with benefits to provide for his family. Many other companies that require certification or degrees also offer tuition reimbursement.
The GAP Assistant Program, funded by the Nebraska Department of Education, are available for other certifications as well. Interested parties can contact Southeast Community College’s admissions office or EducationQuest to learn more about getting tuition paid for a certificate.
For others, employment isn’t just about themselves but can lead to upward mobility for their children. “A person can get a job in environmental services at Wesleyan University,” Seck said. “Starting at $10.15 per hour, they will get paid more as a janitor than many fast food jobs and they can also receive free tuition for themselves or their child.”
To make the process even easier for career-seekers, our local American Job Center is now administered by ResCare. With offices on north 27th across from Center for People in Need as well as downtown in the SCC building, ResCare can help job seekers find their passion with an interest assessment and then find career-wage positions available today in Lincoln or potential scholarships to get the certification needed to boost their career. They can also help with job applications and resumes.
ResCare is a member of the Lincoln Business Task Force which brings together the agencies and non-profits that help Lincoln residents as service providers and case managers. We have monthly opportunities for them to interact with employers and then share with their clients. This efficient approach to workforce development utilizes existing resources and provides career pathways to people seeking stability and success.
Do you know someone ready to move from a low-mobility job to a career? Refer them to ResCare at 402-441-1660. Ask about open positions or GAP scholarships to pay for certifications that can lead to better jobs. In addition, trained volunteers are available to help people apply for jobs or polish their resume at Bennett Martin downtown from 12 to2 p.m. on Tuesdays and 10 a.m. to2 p.m. on Thursdays. At Eiseley Branch, volunteers are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Check out the volunteer opportunity here.