Looking for a job? Need help with interviewing skills? The One Stop Career Center at Aiken Technical College offers help and advice for residents looking to increase their earnings potential.
Though North Augusta lacks a formal career counseling facility, Director Helen Bratton said the Aiken Tech center offers support for all county residents in need of employment.
"We're here to help those that are unemployed or underemployed," she said. "We want to help them increase their livelihood."
Clients have two options for services at the center. The first helps in meeting eligibility requirements to receive intensive services, such as obtaining a General Equivalency Diploma or participating in other classes.
The general public can also use the computer lab as a central source for a job hunt. The lab also provides services for creating and printing resumes and cover letters.
"We offer links to job postings, magazines and newspapers as a free service for anyone wishing to find a job," she said.
Even with job layoffs and increased cost of living, Bratton said the number of clients has not yet increased.
"We've been steady, but if anything, people are selective about organizing their movement because of gas (prices)," she said.
Before heading to the center, potential clients should have an employment history prepared. The center is open five days a week.
Reach Julia Sellers at julia.sellers@northaugustatoday.com
ONE STOP CAREER CENTER
Aiken Technical College
Ashley J. Little Administration Building, Room 166
(803) 593-9954, ext. 1283, placement@atc.edu
Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICES: Local and statewide job listings; group/individual workshops on such topics as interviewing, resume-writing, etc.; on-site job interviews; assistance with job search activities
TRAINING SERVICES: On-the-job training; GED training; nursing assistant; welding; electronics engineering technology; truck driving; early childhood development; computer technology; human services; industrial process technology
RESOURCE CENTER: Internet job search; job boards and job books; career books and videos; computer software; updated labor market information; local daily newspapers; listings of colleges and universities; resume and cover letter style help
IT'S NOT WORKING
South Carolina ranks as the third-worst state for jobs:
UNEMPLOYMENT RATE: 6.6 percent
POPULATION: 4,407,709
MEAN ANNUAL WAGE: $33,400
TOP INDUSTRY:
Trade, transportation and utilities (19.4 percent)
Source: CareerBuilder.com
