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March 30, 2009

KCEOC programs bringing jobs

Knox County gets $567,000 for youth employment and adult job training programs

By Samantha Swindler / Managing Editor

“There’s jobs coming.”

So says Paul Dole, director of Knox County’s KCEOC Community Action Agency, which is getting $567,000 in federal money to hire youth this summer and provide job training for adults.

The money is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Dole said, and other area counties will soon be learning how much they’ll receive in federal funds for similar programs.

KCEOC (Kentucky Communities Economic Opportunity Council) has been approved for $389,000 for the youth worker program and $178,000 for adult workforce training in Knox County.

“It’s state- and nation-wide but we’re looking at hiring somewhere around 200 youth, ages 16-24, locally for the summer,” Dole said. “Some of them already out of school can start May 1, and jobs are open through October.”

At this point, the jobs will pay $7.50 per hour, though Dole said that figure could increase.

Dole said the jobs will be “all kinds, anywhere from secretarial to mowing lawns. The only three restrictions are they can’t work at swimming pools, golf courses or casinos.”

He said KCEOC will first attempt to place workers in local government or non-profit positions, but for-profit businesses are also eligible. Using the federal money, KCEOC will provide the workers’ pay and workers’ compensation, and employers must provide supervision for the workers.

Potential employers or employees can apply for the program at KCEOC’s job site office in downtown Barbourville, or call the office at 546-2639. There are income restrictions for eligible employees.

Steve Wright, who will be distributing Laurel County’s youth workforce money through Laurel County Adult Education, said he’ll learn today how much money his county will receive. Whitley County should also learn more about its funding this week.

The second program pays for back-to-school or job training for adults who need skills for a particular field. Dole said examples include training to become a paramedic or a mason. Applications are also being taken at the downtown Barbourville office, and there are income restrictions.

KCEOC is also getting an influx of funding for its weatherization program. The county will be receiving an extra $500,000 this year toward making weatherization improvements in low income housing. Dole said KCEOC will be hiring crews to work on approximately 20 houses a month.

“That puts a lot of money in the overall economy of the county,” Dole said of the programs. “They get their pay checks here, they’re going to spend it at local stores. They say a dollar turns over six times... It will have a major impact on this area.”

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