Nevada JobConnect

Let us help you make a Job Connection

April 5, 2006

The State of Nevada's JobConnect is the no fee and state-of-the-art employment services agency that can assist employers and employees with employment placement and training. Because of recent name changes, Christina Slade, Employer Relations Representative for Nevada JobConnect, said that most of the
public doesn't know what JobConnect is or what it does. "Years ago we were called the unemployment office, but that carried such a negative connotation. We have evolved into a employment services program that far exceeds the capabilities of other employment offices," said Slade.

Nevada JobConnect's primary customer is the employer, as the employer base determines job availability for potential employees. "We tailor our services to fit each employer's requirements by asking, 'What do you need? How can we best serve you?' and then customizing a package of services to achieve the end result- employees that are well trained and qualified for employment," said Slade. The Nevada JobConnect advantages are that services are provided at nocharge to the employer or employee, and the organization has many resources available to employers and employees, which other agencies can't match. "Not only can we meet the employer's current needs, we can forecast employment trends and work with the university system and other agencies to establish programs and classes that can meet a company's future needs," said John Felesina, Manager of Nevada JobConnect's Carson City office.

Employers can access Nevada JobConnect for applicant screening and referral and additional employee training. As a member of America's Job Bank, Nevada JobConnect can post business job openings and reach national and global job seekers.

A recent example is Starbucks, which is building a coffee roasting plant in Douglas County. "Starbucks needed to recruit for supervisors with the minimum requirement of a four-year college degree. We've posted those job openings through our "in house" computer system, which also allows for automatic circulation of job availability throughout the State of Nevada. We've also posted the openings on America's Job Bank, which reaches national and global job seekers. Thus far, Starbucks seems to be pleased with Nevada JobConnect's ability to find qualified personnel for them," said Slade.

According to Slade, specific areas of interest to employers in the Northern Nevada area seem to be wage and salary information and the availability of a well-trained labor force. A wealth of demographic information can be obtained from the Research and Analysis Bureau, which is accessed through the Nevada JobConnect website at www.nvjobconnect.com. Plus Nevada JobConnect can assist a company's existing work force with additional training and updating of kills.

Nevada JobConnect partners with other state and federal agencies and the private sector to provide training to potential employees. "Employers recognize the importance of a well-trained and prepared employee," said Slade. "Our job is to determine the needs of each employer and then locating that employee through an extensive search process. Then, if necessary, we can update the skills as needed by the employer." Felesina added that Nevada JobConnect can also assist employers by providing funds for half of the cost of on-job-training. "This is especially helpful for high-tech or specialized positions, where an employer can incur high expenses to train an individual for a specified position," said Felesina.

While Slade customizes programs for the employer, the staff at Nevada JobConnect is preparing individuals to enter the job market or to improve their job market skills. Nevada JobConnect can also test and certify job-seekers on business machines. "Our resource center addresses a wide array of employee concerns. Some people are apprehensive when they come in. However, our well trained and knowledgeable staff is here to help guide them through the process, whether it is accessing America's Job Bank to look for a job, preparing a resume, learning interview techniques or even updating computer skills. We teach a job applicant to market themselves to potential employees," said Slade.

According to Felesina, Nevada JobConnect is the best opportunity to find the kind of job you are looking for. "Employers can utilize our services without the blizzard of paperwork that can often occur in employment situations, and employees can receive up-to-the-minute job information and the training they need to find the right job," said Felesina.

Slade stated that as the state's best employment services agency, Nevada JobConnect does whatever is needed to get the best-qualified person for an employer. "When an employer uses our services, I can guarantee myriad services to meet their needs that won't cost them a dime," said Slade. "As for the job applicant, when they come to Nevada JobConnect, we will prepare them with training and techniques to secure the job that they want. They may come in just looking for a job, but when they leave, they will be prepared for a career."

Email: Nevada JobConnect
Employment: Job Bank