Workforce Alliance is Palm Beach County’s link to the statewide “Florida Back to Work” program recently introduced by Governor Charlie Crist to bolster the economy of the State and to create new jobs.
 
At this time, numerous public and private employers have submitted applications through Workforce Alliance for participation in the project.  If the State approves the applications, the majority of salary costs for the participating new employees at approved employer sites will be covered on a time-limited basis.
 
Kathryn Schmidt, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Workforce Alliance, said, “We currently estimate that the approval process will not be completed at the State level until late January or early February, 2010.  Even though the final approval for prospective employers is pending, Workforce Alliance will start the process of screening applicants in our current job-seeker database and determining eligibility in advance.”

Employers can provide recommendations for persons to fill the new positions and encourage selected individuals to make application, but Workforce Alliance will make the determination of eligibility in all cases.  Eligibility includes documenting a household income that is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level for the last 30 days and having a minor child in the home.

Individuals wishing to make application for the positions should take the initial step of registering at www.employflorida.com and entering their resume. They may also visit one of the Workforce Alliance Career Centers for assistance. (The locations are listed elsewhere on this website.)

After the State notifies Workforce Alliance and identifies the approved employer sites, the employers will be asked to complete a contract with Workforce Alliance and provide job descriptions for the positions to be filled.

The Florida Back to Work program presents an excellent opportunity for those employers who have made application to lower the cost of hiring additional employees while expanding or improving their operations.  At the same time, the program will provide new jobs, help invigorate the regional economy and help local businesses remain fully competitive in the marketplace.