FOR JOB SEEKERS

We Can Help

While some may claim that landing a job is easy, we understand that uncovering the right job for you can indeed be quite the undertaking.

Feeling a bit lost in the job hunt? Wondering about the multitude of career paths that await you? Thinking about how to stand out in a crowded job market? Well, the good news is that you're not alone, and we're here to lend a hand.

At the South Central Workforce Development Board, our commitment is crystal clear: we're here to ensure that job seekers like you discover career opportunities that truly resonate with your aspirations and goals.

WHAT NEXT?

The next step is entirely up to you. The great part is, there are no wrong choices! You can always come back to this section, too, to further explore your options. Simply click the image below that best answers the question for YOU.

(click on any column to explore that topic)

COMPLETE THE QUICK INTAKE FORM

Let's kick off your journey with a quick and easy step – filling out our online interest form. This form is your golden ticket to letting us know your goals, your aspirations, and how we can best assist you. It's not just a form; it's your beacon, guiding our dedicated career advisors on the path to finding what's perfect for you. Plus, it's a breeze to complete, taking just 5 minutes or less. Trust us, it's a crucial key to unlock your future.

FINISH IN LESS THAN 5 MINUTES!

At the heart of the South Central Workforce Development Board's mission is to make your job search journey not just simple, but also deeply personal. We believe in the power of human connection, and there's truly no substitute for having your own dedicated career advisor and advocate by your side, helping you become the best version of yourself.

Looking for UnemploymentInsurance Info?

Please click the large graphic or the button below to go straight to the Kentucky UI Portal.

CONNECT WITH A CAREER ADVISOR

Once you've wrapped up your intake form, you are ready to connect with a Career Advisor.

You have options! You can wait for a call from one of our dedicated Career Advisors (within two business days), or you can dive right into the action. Take the initiative by giving a call to the Bowling Green Career Center to schedule an appointment. If you're feeling extra proactive, swing by in person for even faster service. We're here to jumpstart your journey!

OUTSIDE BGKY? WE CAN COME TO YOU!

Discover the convenience of South Central Workforce Development Board's Local Access Points, your gateway to career services right in your community.

Our local Access Points are designed to bring the essential resources found within Kentucky Career Centers closer to home. But that's not all – we've made it even more accessible for you.

With our Career Coach On-Call program, you can schedule an appointment with a Career Coach right in your county at one of these sites. It's all about getting the career services you need while staying close to home. Explore the possibilities and let us support you on your career journey!

CAREER COACH ON-CALL IN THE NEWS!

Our special "Career Coach On-Call" service for the South Central Kentucky region was recently highlighted on WBKO News!

We highly recommend watching this segment as it gives you a clear picture of these services and the impact they make throughout the region.

OR DIVE INTO OUR INTERACTIVE JOB SEEKER MAP

The Job Seeker Map is a tool that provides information about resources, programs and agencies who help job seekers. This tool was created to help all residents who live in South Central Kentucky, but it is intended to help immigrants and refugees of all ages who speak different languages connect to employment and education professionals at local programs and services. This guide is maintained by the South Central Workforce Development Board.

CAREER EDGE

Welcome to Career EDGE, a FREE online program designed for individuals in our 10-county region. Career EDGE provides a range of interactive tools, such as a resume builder and a job interview simulator, to guide you through your career journey. It's an insightful, user-friendly platform that empowers you to achieve your personal and professional goals. You can pick and choose from various modules covering topics like goal setting, communication, networking, time management, interview preparation, cultural diversity, and work-life balance. It's all here to support your growth and success.

WHAT IS WIOA?

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy.

SOURCE: United States Department of Labor

TYPES OF WIOA PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS

Are YOU Eligible for WIOA?

Want to know the specifics about WIOA? Find them on our Policies page.

FOCUS POPULATIONS

The Board targets five specific population groups for innovative employment programming. These groups are traditionally underserved with unique barriers to employment. Click an image below to explore specific programming for each group.

While these focus populations have been identified, it should be noted that the Board enthusiastically serves all job seekers regardless of their demographic.

SECONDARY STUDENT EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

We are here to support graduating high school seniors as they take their next steps into the workforce or post-secondary education. If you qualify for WIOA-funded services, we're here to help you find job opportunities or college/training programs available in our region. We work closely with our community partners to stay on top of the latest trends and career paths in the area, ensuring we can provide the best advice to young adults pursuing further education and training. Our staff is here to assist you and your parents with everything from program options, FAFSA, admissions, and scholarship applications to connecting you with resources at post-secondary institutions. Plus, we're here to help you polish up your resume, enhance your interview and soft skills, and navigate job applications like a pro.

POST-SECONDARY EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

Our Post-Secondary Program targets potential, current, and graduating college/post-secondary students who are ready to enter the workforce and may qualify for WIOA-funded services and assists them with identifying career opportunities, internships, externships, or additional training programs provided in our region. The program works with our community partners and businesses to analyze post-secondary trends and career pathways within the region to better serve and advise adults who are pursuing career opportunities.

VETERANS AND TRANSITIONING MILITARY

Transitioning into the civilian workforce can be a challenge, but we're here to make it as seamless as possible. Whether you're seeking a career in South Central Kentucky that aligns with your existing skills or considering further training and education, we've got your back.

And here's the good news – you don't have to wait until your military exit is official to connect with us. We encourage veterans who are just months away from their separation from the military to reach out to us right now. The earlier we connect, the smoother we can make your transition.

As you set your sights on your future beyond the military, we hope you'll embrace our vision for your Kentucky career. Your success is our priority!

The HIRE Vets Medallion Award is the only federal-level veterans’ employment award that recognizes a company or organization’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development.

The Honoring Investments in Recruiting and Employing American Military Veterans (HIRE Vets Act or the Act), requires the Secretary of Labor to establish a program, by rule, that recognizes employer efforts to recruit, employ, and retain veterans. Employer-applicants meeting criteria established in the rule will receive a “HIRE Vets Medallion Award.” For each award, the employer must satisfy a set of criteria. Verification of these criteria includes a self-attestation by the applicant and a check for violations of veteran-related DOL labor laws by the U.S. Department of Labor. DOL’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) thoroughly evaluated and carefully considered all comments received.

SOURCE: HireVets.Gov

SOUTH CENTRAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD,

2022 AND 2023 PLATINUM AWARD RECIPIENT

NEW AMERICAN/FOREIGN BORN

As a New American job seeker, we understand that adapting to American workplace expectations can be a challenge. That's why we offer guidance on both general and specific workplace norms, often in your native language, in one-on-one or group sessions.

Our goal is to empower you by providing personalized support. We'll help you understand, identify, and access local job and training opportunities that match your unique experiences and preferences. We offer assistance with building your resume, completing job applications, and connecting you with other essential resources. Together, we'll help you succeed in your new work environment.

Our new Job Seeker Map was created with New Americans, particularly, in mind. It is available in multiple languages and guides you through the job seeking process every step of the way!

REENTRY/JUSTICE INVOLVED

Our team collaborates closely with justice institutions like jails, judges, and county attorneys, as well as community partners and recovery centers. Together, we offer career support, pre-employment services, job readiness training, pre-release community assessments, and help with job hunting and placement. Our focus is on individuals with justice involvement or re-entry backgrounds who are eager to enter the workforce, enhance their careers, or upgrade their skills. You might even be eligible for WIOA-funded services or scholarships for college or training programs available in our region.

In addition, in partnership with Lake Cumberland Workforce Development Board and Kentucky Adult Education, we have created the program "Putting Kentuckians First." Putting Kentuckians First (PKF)'s mission is to create opportunities for all Kentuckians to receive targeted wrap-around services to accelerate the removal of barriers to successful employment. PKF's vision is to empower State, Regional and Local partnerships in creating a workforce triage system to eliminate barriers for Kentuckians to reenter the workforce.

LONG-TERM UNEMPLOYED

The Bureau of Labor Statistics defines long-term unemployment as being without work for 27 weeks (six months) or longer while actively looking for a job.

When we talk about unemployment, economists like to split it into two main categories: voluntary and involuntary unemployment.

Voluntary unemployment is when someone decides to leave their job because they want something different. They're actively looking for a new job.

Involuntary unemployment happens when someone didn't choose to leave their job. They might have been let go or had to deal with a layoff, and now they're on the hunt for a new job.

Long-term unemployment can happen for various reasons, and it's important to remember that it's a journey many people go through. Sometimes, it's due to a job loss, and it can take a bit to find the right fit. Others might take time off to care for family or pursue additional education. Life has its twists and turns, and that's completely okay. The key is to stay positive, stay determined, and keep moving forward. Your next opportunity is out there, waiting for you to shine.