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In response to historically high levels of unemployment, Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) Commissioner Michael L. Thurmond created Georgia Work$ (GW$), an innovative training initiative designed to stimulate job growth and hiring.
GW$ allows unemployment insurance (UI) claimants to draw UI benefits, while receiving workplace training from a potential employer for a maximum of 24 hours per week for up to six weeks. Claimants qualify for up to $300 in training stipends (an average of $50 weekly) to help defray training related costs such as child care and transportation. Upon completion of training, participants receive credentials of acquired job skills and are considered for employment. About 60 percent of those who complete GW$ training have been hired.
Through GW$, more than 3,000 UI claimants have been hired upon completion of training and nearly 6,000 different Georgia employers have participated.
GW$ information is available in each of the department's 53 career centers throughout the state.
Interested UI claimants should take the following steps for program consideration:
Email inquiries to gaworks@dol.state.ga.us. GW$ telephone operators are available at 1-877-WORKS09 (1-877-967-5709).
Benefits of Georgia Work$
Benefits to Employers
- Pre-screened qualified individuals
- Up to six weeks of pre-employment training
- Trainee stipends covered by GDOL
- Hiring of trainees at discretion of employers
- Workers' compensation coverage provided by GDOL
Benefits to Claimants
- Job-specific training
- Opportunity to "get a foot in the door"
- Demonstration of skills and talents
- $300 maximum training stipend (an average of $50 per week) in addition to UI benefits
Benefits to the GDOL and State
- Protects solvency of UI Trust Fund
- Stimulates job growth
- Provides career center staff with a new tool to help job seekers
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Michael L. Thurmond
Commissioner |
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