While unemployment rates across the state of Ohio are on the decline and hovering around four percent, they remain relatively high in many urban areas. That includes the west side of Columbus, where it’s nearly eight percent. But now a new program set to turn that around is already making an impact and seeing positive results.
- Columbus Metropolitan Library & Cover My Meds launched a workforce readiness program in July
- The program has helped 100 people, with a number landing jobs
- A $100,000 grant from Cover My Meds is supporting the pilot
Back in July, the Columbus Metropolitan Library, in partnership with Cover My Meds, launched a workforce readiness program teaching computer technology skills, soft skills, and job hunting skills for free. The program specifically helps adults in the Franklinton and Hilltop neighborhoods. So far, they’ve helped nearly ten people land jobs.
One of those people includes Marcuse Peterson, who hit a rough patch. Peterson moved from Michigan one year ago. The transmission went out on his car. He says, “Because of me losing my car, we lost our income, we lost our home, and it just went from there. A few months ago, things started turning around after he started going to the library and getting help through a workforce development program.
Peterson used to be a certified mechanic but says he struggled to find a new job because he lacked computer skills. Reluctantly, he decided to take a computer class with Jon Mullineaux while getting some resume help. For two months, the two worked together with Mullineaux teaching him Microsoft Word and Excel.
It’s something many others like Peterson have been able to learn for free, along with workplace skills and job hunting skills. The pilot program exists at Columbus Metropolitan Libraries on the city’s west side.
As the military veteran gets a quick refresher, he admits that he still pecks the computer keys, but what he gained was enough to land him seven job offers at once. That’s after he added computer skills to his resume. Now, things are looking up for Peterson because now he has a full-time job as a computer technician...something he never imagined he’d be doing. He started his new role earlier this week.
Cover My Meds gave the library $100,000 to start the program. Part of that money helped the library purchase new computers for the program at the Franklinton and Hilltop branches. Since the program’s been in place, they’ve helped over 100 people through the various workshops offered. Anyone interested in participating in the program can either call the library or Jon Mullineaux directly at 614.849.1027.
