More Space For The Unemployed

As the state's unemployment rate climbs faster than expected, a local college is opening its doors to help.  The Department of Labor has teamed up with Kilian Community College to help give unemployed workers a jump on the job market. 

Students usually fill the rooms at Kilian Community College, but soon the computer labs and classrooms will be filled with employees looking for work. 

"Really this is about partnering for the betterment of the community," Kilian Community College President Mark Millage said. 

The Department of Labor will hold resume writing and interview classes in Kilian's classrooms within the next week. Labor officials have had to look for alternative locations because the demand for its services have grown as more people lose their jobs. 

"Given what's going on in the economy right now, the Department of Labor is really swamped. They need more space, we have the space, we have the computers, we can provide them that assistance," Millage said. 

Kilian officials say they are not only helping the Department of Labor by letting them come in and hold classes there, but they are also helping out the community. 

"That's really what we're here for, and the Department of Labor is here for, is to try to help the community get through what is a difficult period right now," Millage said. 

By offering more space, Kilian and the Department of Labor hope they can offer more job opportunities for the hundreds of unemployed workers. 

Kilian also says holding the job training classes at the community college may offer laid-off workers more opportunities to further their education.