South Central Works

The podcast is going on hiatus for now, but please remember, you can still access previous podcast episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts! Thank you for listening and supporting the program. 

In part 2 of the conversation about what to do after a job loss, you'll hear more tips about what you need to do to have a successful job search and find that next job or career. 

In this episode, you'll hear about how to cope with a job loss and the next steps to take to set yourself up for success. 

In this episode, you'll learn about Perry Technical Institute, a highly accredited trade school in Yakima. Discover how to access affordable programs that meet the real needs of industry, are hands-on, and can be completed in as short as five weeks. 

Learn about how SHRM - the Society for Human Resource Management - is valuable for every business professional. Discover the types of support that are available for businesses and how to access support around a host of HR issues. 

In this episode, you'll learn about workforce education programs at Yakima Valley (or YVC for short). Discover how YVC can you prepare to enter a high wage, high-demand occupations in healthcare, business, STEM, education and other fields.  

In this episode you'll hear about the various ways that Worksource supports employers. Discover the range of services that Worksource can offer, including support with training and recruiting. 

In this episode, you'll learn what transferable skills are, and how those skills can help you find a new job or career. Discover how to find keywords in job applications and how to connect those to the skills and talents you already possess. 

In this episode, you'll learn about WorkSource and how it functions as a "one stop shop" to offer resources for both job seekers and businesses. Discover how government, education and community organizations all work together to offer a variety of services and programs to help people find employment and education. Discover how job seekers can get assistance with services including developing computer literacy or assistance with creating a resume.     

In this episode, you'll learn about the steps to take if you are interested in getting your CDL license and driving a commercially licensed vehicle. Discover the requirements to obtain your CDL license as well as the costs involved. You'll also hear about the opportunities available for drivers with a CDL license. 

In the Spanish version of this episode you'll learn about the Yakima County Development Association (YCDA) and the services that they provide to help grow and develop local businesses. 

In this episode you'll learn about the Yakima County Development Association (YCDA) and the services that they provide to help grow and develop local businesses. 

Even as businesses reopen from the pandemic, it is clear that virtual communication is here to stay. In this episode, you'll hear about best practices for attending a virtual job fair and how to set yourself up for success. 

In this episode, you'll discover the details about a new industrial machine operator apprenticeship, who is eligible, and the types of equipment that participants will interact with. 

In this episode, you'll hear about the issue of ageism in the workplace. Discover some startling statistics about ageism, and some common misconceptions that employers have about older workers. You'll also hear about some of the benefits that experienced workers bring to the workplace and how older workers can give themselves the best chance for success in a job interview.

As we continue along in 2021, it is apparent that remote work and the use of technology for the job searching and interview process is here to stay. In this episode, you'll hear tips about how to improve your online presence, how to make virtual communication work for you, and how to network online. 

In this episode, you'll discover tips and advice for making a successful career change. Discover what you need to evaluate before making a career change, as well as resources to help you with decision making regarding choosing a new career. 

In this episode, you'll learn about the National Farm Workers Jobs Program, and how it helps to counter the chronic unemployment and underemployment of farm workers who depend primarily on jobs in agriculture. Discover the eligibility requirements and available services. 

In this episode, you’ll discover an exciting new apprenticeship in the food processing industry. Discover what the apprenticeship entails, the length of the program, and the career opportunities that are available upon completion of the apprenticeship.

With the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to have an updated resume. Discover what you need to consider when writing a resume, and some of the most in-demand skills that you'll want to highlight. 

With the disruption created by the COVID-19 pandemic, things are changing quickly, and both employers and employees have had to adjust to the "new normal." Discover the skills that will be most crucial in the job market, and how to sharpen your technology skills. 

In this episode, you'll learn about a training program available to help job seekers get started with a career in manufacturing. Discover what the program entails and how to get started. 

In this time of social distancing, more employers are choosing to conduct virtual job interviews. Discover tips for how to prepare for an online job interview, and how to set yourself up for success. 

In this episode, you'll discover the supports that are available for both in-school and out-of-school youth to help with their education and career. Discover eligibility requirements, how to connect youth to employers, and the skills that youth need to maintain long-term employment. 

In this episode, you'll learn about assistance available for unemployed adults. Discover eligibility requirements for the dislocated worker program, and the types of resources available, including tuition assistance and transportation. 

In this episode you'll hear about the challenges that veterans face when it comes to employment, and some of the resources that are available to help veterans find meaningful employment and a career. **Note: This episode was recorded prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In this episode, you'll discover tips for handling a job loss, and what to do to give yourself the best chances for success. You'll hear tips for how to talk about your strengths as a worker and resources to help you in your job search. *Note- this episode was recorded prior to the COVID-19 crisis, but it still provides valuable information for anyone dealing with a job loss. 

There are currently 5 generations in the workplace, and each of them has their own unique strengths and perspectives. In this episode, you'll discover what you need to know about each generation, and tips for getting along with co-workers of various ages. 

Cheryl Nixon from People for People, returns to the program to discuss experienced or "older" workers, and the positive attributes that they bring to the workplace. She also reveals what older workers should consider when making a job change later in their career, and the mindset shift that they need to make in order to find success. 

In this episode, you'll learn about job fairs, and how to maximize your chances of success. Discover the importance of preparation and job fair do's and don'ts. 

In this episode, you'll learn about the new statewide program for workers who need to take time away from work, either to care for themselves or family members. Discover who is eligible for the program, the types of events that are covered, and notification requirements. 

In this follow up episode about soft skills, Gabriel Munoz, Life Skills Instructor for People for People in Yakima WA, joins the program to discuss the various skills that are important for achieving success. Discover some of the skills that students aren't learning in school, and how the life skills classes offered at People for People are helping to fill that gap. 

In this episode, you'll discover the importance of "soft skills", those non-technical traits that employers value most in employees. You'll learn about some of the most important soft skills, and how to develop them. 

In this episode, you'll hear stories about internships and how the participants were able to use those experiences in their paid jobs and careers. Discover tips for having a successful internship experience. 

You got the interview, now what? In this episode, you'll discover tips for success and how to ace your job interview. 

In this episode you'll discover what an internship is, and how it can help you get hands-on experience that can lead to a job and career. Learn about the different types of internships, and the process of starting an internship program. 

 This episode features an interview with Cheryl Nixon, Program Lead at People For People. Discover some of the changes when it comes to resume writing and the importance of a branding statement. You'll also learn how to uncover and articulate your unique talents, skills, and experiences in order to maximize your chances for success as a job seeker.

In this episode, you'll learn how to create a resume that gives you the best chance to get the job you want. Discover what to include on your resume, how long it should be, and whether to customize your resume depending on where you are applying. 

In this episode, you'll discover what employers need to know about hiring justice involved individuals and the benefits to doing so. Learn how to tap into this talented, but often overlooked, labor pool. 

In this episode, you'll hear from Dennis Matson, Director of YV-Tech, which offers free academic and hands-on technical career training to high school students from sixteen school districts. Discover the programs that are available and why a 4 year degree is not the only path for success for students. 

In this episode, you'll discover the Department of Labor's program for disclocated workers. Discover what a dislocated worker is, who is eligible for services and the details of the program.

In this episode, you'll discover what an apprenticeship is, and the benefits of apprenticeships for both job seekers and employers. 

In this episode, you'll hear about Washington State's SharedWork program, and how it provides employers the opportunity to reduce hours instead of having to layoff employees. You'll learn the eligibility requirements for the program and how it is a win for businesses, employers and communities. 

Discover what you need to know about the new Paid Family and Medical Leave and how to find out more information in this episode of South Central Works. 

Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of the Yakima County Development Association, joins the program to discuss a tax credit available to manufacturing companies that are growing employment in the region. Discover eligibility requirements for the tax credit, the duration of the credit, and more. 

Bryce Brewer from Pinnacle Investigations joins the program to discuss Washington's "Ban the Box" law that prohibits employers from asking prospective employees about criminal history before an initial interview. Discover the benefits of this law both for job seekers and also for employers.