Bartow, Florida, April 8, 2013 – January 1^st is usually a day when most set big goals, resolving to kick a bad habit, loose the holiday weight, make strides in their career, or spend more time with family. In late November of 2012 Polk Works announced their New Year’s Resolution, and called it “Race to Place”, a campaign that promises to connect 10,000 job seekers to jobs in the first six months of the year. 

April marks the half-way point of the six month long campaign and Polk Works and the over 125 community partners are excited to announce that through the cooperative efforts, 4,551 individuals have gained employment. “We are still very encouraged by the opportunity that comes into Polk each day.” stated CEO of Polk Works, Stacy Campbell-Domineck. According to the Help Wanted On-Line Report for February 2013 there were 5,826 jobs available in Polk and 77.2% were full-time positions. “Our job is still to help the over 22,000 individuals that are seeking employment find it”, stated Campbell-Domineck. 

In addition to hiring events, free workshops, and job interview and resume assistance that is occurring in the One-Stop Career Centers each week, below are a few special events coming up: 

April 5^th – April 12^th  Summer Youth Employment Applications Accepted

Applications for Polk Works’ 2013 Summer Youth Employment Program will be accepted from Friday, April 5^th at 3pm and close Friday, April 12th at 3pm at www.PolkWorks.org. The program offers paid summer employment opportunities to qualifying young adults between the ages of 16 and 21 for up to 30 hours a week at $9 an hour for an eight week period beginning in June. The program, which is in its fourth year, assists teens and young adults to prepare for tomorrow’s work environment through hands on work experience. 

April 18^th  Your Place in Polk Job Fair

Job seekers that hold a degree or certificate from a post-secondary institution or are a soon-to-be graduate are invited to the Your Place in Polk Job Fair from 10am to 2pm at the Lakeland Center. Professional Dress Required and pre-registration is suggested at www.PolkWorks.org. The event is sponsored by Keiser University, Florida Southern College, Lakeland Housing Authority, Polk State College, Southeastern University, Webber International University, and Winter Haven Hospital.                       

April 26^th-27^th Sykes Enterprises Hiring Event

Looking for a position in customer service? Join Polk Works and Sykes Enterprises for a special two-day hiring event at the Polk Works’ Lakeland Career One-Stop as Sykes seeks to hire hundreds of qualified individuals. 

May 1^st LEGOLAND Summer Employment Hiring Event

LEGOLAND, Florida will be hosting a hiring event to fill positions for the summer season at their Winter Haven location. 

For more information or to register for any upcoming events offered by Polk Works, please visit us on the web at www.polkworks.org or at 863-508-1600x1116. 

Sources:

Unemployment Data: Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Labor Market Statistics http://lmsresources.labormarketinfo.com/library/releases/arearelease_region17.pdf 

Help Wanted OnLine: The Conference Board, Help Wanted OnLine, prepared by the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Bureau of Labor Market Statistics. http://www.polkworks.org/docs/HWOL2-2013.pdf

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