Pilot Program Aiming To Get Long-Term Unemployed Back To Work Launches In Chester County
By Jim Melwert
EXTON, Pa. (CBS) -- A unique pilot program in Chester County that's aimed at getting long-term unemployed workers lined up with potential employers kicked off on Tuesday.
The president of the company behind Platform to Employment, Joe Carbone, says when someone has an extended stretch of unemployment it's a mark against them, and even though many of these people want to get back to work, it's hard to overcome.
"We're able to break that, and get you to have consideration, but you have to be prepared to compete. This program will prepare you and get you ready for that."
Carbone touts its more than 80-percent success rate, with five weeks of job readiness training and personal support services, followed by an eight week trial period with an employer.
Kristen Wolf is one of the 25 Chester County residents selected for the program. She says she's probably sent out more than 1,000 resumes since she was laid off in 2011, but hasn't found anything more than temp and part-time work.
"I'm hoping this program will help reduce some of the risk for future employers to give me a try and show what I can do."
